My eyes widened, and I let out a gasp of surprise. “You’ve been officially promoted? Already?”
“That’s right. Detective Miner liked my work so much on this case, he went ahead and officially made me a member of the department.”
“But I didn’t think you did that much work on this case?” I wondered.
She sipped her coffee. “It’s true. I didn’t do a lot of leg work. I sat at my desk and looked up the information. Filled out paperwork. Made phone calls.”
I squinted a little, finding this sudden promotion strange and suspicious even. “And that was enough for staunch Detective Miner to give the chief the thumbs up?”
She licked her lips, and I realized there might be more to this story. “Well, as a matter-of-fact, Detective Miner specifically asked for me to be his partner. That’s how I got pushed through.”
“So, he isn’t retiring?”
“No. I’ll be working closely with him on future cases.”
I hummed, thinking about it for a second and decided my apprehension was misplaced. “That’s good news, isn’t it? He’s basically picked you to replace him?”
“But he’s not ready to leave yet,” she finished my thought. “Yes, that was the feeling I got about the situation.”
“I guess that isn’t so bad, after all. You may be stuck working with him, but at least you’re in.”
“Right.” She smiled, taking another sip. “Anyway, I already have my first assignment.”
“Oh? That’s exciting. What is it?”
“I guess there is some bald-headed bozo going around and impersonating a police detective. Whoever it is showed up at Jacob Bigsby’s house and asked a bunch of questions.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat, trying not to let out a nervous laugh. “Sounds weird, for sure.”
“Anyway, that’s more just something to do until a bigger case pops up,” she said.
I let out a sigh of relief, hoping I didn’t leave behind any vital clues that it had been me. Of course, even if I was brought in for a line-up, I doubted I could be recognized. That was the beauty of a glamour spell.
I heard the back door of the cafe open from the kitchen and my heart skipped a beat. I turned to see my aunt headed our way.
“Anyway, I should be getting back to the station. I just wanted to tell you what is going on.”
“T-Thanks,” I said, keeping my eye on my aunt.
Becca finished her coffee and stood up. I was silently urging her to go, to get out the door before my aunt got to us. If Theo asked who it was that I was chatting with, I could always say it was a representative from the police department updating me on the case.
But, as luck would have it, I didn’t get my way.
“So, how about we finally have that drink together tonight to celebrate? Or maybe dinner?” she suggested.
It was true, we’d never gotten to celebrate her move to the homicide division. Now we had double the reason to celebrate. Before I could answer, however, Aunt Theo was at my side. “Dinner? Are you going out tonight, Adrian?”
I grew quickly flustered, looking from Aunt Theo to Becca.
“Hello? Who is this, Adrian?” Becca asked, smiling as she looked the woman over.
My heart was beating so fast I thought it might just rip through my ribcage.
“I’m Theo. Adrian’s Aunt.”
My girlfriend grew wide-eyed, pure excitement coursing through her. “The one who raised him?”
“The very one, my dear.” she held out a hand of greeting.
Becca quickly grabbed it and shook it firmly. “This is such a pleasure. You have no idea. Adrian has told me so many stories about you.”
“All good ones, I hope,” she laughed.
“Of course.” Becca looked at me. “Why the heck wouldn’t you tell me she was visiting? We can all have dinner together.”
“Oh, that isn’t a great idea,” I sputtered out.
“And why not?” Theo chimed in. “I’d love to get to know your friend.”
“Girlfriend,” Becca added, much to my horror.
My aunt raised both eyebrows. “Dear, nephew. Why didn’t you tell me?”
This earned me a scolding look from my Becca.
“Yes, dinner sounds great,” I said without thinking, just wanting to end this conversation before I regretted it more than I already did.
“Fantastic,” Becca squealed. “I’ll stop by around seven?”
“Sounds perfect, daaa’ling,” Theo noted. “I look forward to getting to know each other.”
“So do I. See you guys later,” she said with a little wave before vanishing.
With that, Theo turned to me with one hand on her hip.
“I can explain,” I tried to begin, pulling her through the kitchen and into my office away from the prying ears of customers.
“I’m very interested to hear how you two met,” she said.
There was no point in avoiding it now. Time to come out with the truth. “You need to know. Becca is a--”
“Mortal,” she finished my sentence.
My jaw dropped.
“Oh, don’t act so surprised. Tamsin told me about her months ago.”
I gritted my teeth, making a mental note to give that cat a piece of my mind. “He did, did he?”
“That’s right. It was just one more reason for me to come and pop in on you.”
“So, you’ve just known this whole time?”
She put a hand on her chest. “Of course I have, dear. Why else do you think her promotion went so smoothly?”
This time, I really couldn’t believe it. I slumped down onto my couch in a heap. “You cast a spell?”
“I’ve just done a tiny bit of encouragement magic on that detective. It doesn’t change his opinions about your little girlfriend, just shines a light on her better qualities.”
That was likely why he had let her participate in the investigation at all. I looked up at her. “But, why?”
“Why not? It was important to you and her, wasn’t it?”
I was dumbstruck.
Aunt Theo sat beside me, taking my hand in hers. “Look. I may be a traditionalist and a real stickler for the Witch’s Reed, but I’m not a monster. If this girl makes you happy, I’m here to back you up.” she paused. “Even if she is a mortal who you’ll only be able to love for a very short time.”
“B-But you got so upset about my coworkers.”
“Yes, yes, that was one tidbit Tamsin left out. I hadn’t realized you had no witch-kind friends here.”
I looked at her and gave my signature timid smile. “Guess I’ve been keeping you in the dark when I didn’t need to.”
“Well, I’m here now, and that’s what matters. We are the only family we’ve got, and we’ve spent too long apart.”
I nodded, embracing her in a hug. “I guess having regular visits is in order.”
She pulled back from me with a massive smile on her face. Somehow, it made me uneasy. “Visits? Why, no, dear.”
“Huh? What do you mean? You’re not going to move in with me, are you?”
She waved a hand, laughing out loud. “Of course, not.”
“Thank goodness. No offense, but my house is only so big.”
“I know. That’s why I’ve gone ahead and purchased the rundown empty townhome adjacent to yours.”
“What?” I blurted out.
“You know? The one that has been on the market ever since you moved in?”
“Y-you bought it? You’re moving here from Salem?”
She stood up. “That’s right. I’m finally going to be living near family again. Not to mention, this city is devoid of a proper coven. It’s time we started one. Isn’t it exciting?” she said, heading out of the room.
I slumped back into the couch, overwhelmed. “Thrilling,” I said through the laughter.
Also by N.C. Patterson
The Hillshire Haunting
The Black Mountain Haunting
Author’s No
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