I was about to suggest that maybe we should pull the products until Harvey was out of town again, but I slammed my mouth shut when I heard footsteps on the other side of the kitchen door. Evangeline shot me a look out of the corner of her eye. She’d heard it too. I sat up a little straighter and reached for my coffee mug. Evangeline followed my lead and we both sipped casually from our mugs like we’d just been discussing the weather.
The door opened and Harvey stalked into the room, his strides clipped and brisk, like he was on a march. He watched Evangeline and me from the corner of his eye on his way to the fridge. “Good morning, Holly. Evangeline.”
Evangeline jerked upright, her eyes going wide with one question: How does he know who I am? I narrowed my eyes, remembering that Harvey had known who Adam was the night before without an introduction, either. Was it some kind of SPA magic or was Harvey just downright nosy? I had a feeling I knew the answer to that one.
“Morning, Harvey.” I tried to keep my hands from shaking as I stirred a fresh spoonful of cream into my coffee.
Evangeline still looked uncomfortable as she drained the contents of her mug and stood from the table. She snatched her plate and mug up and hurried to deposit them in the sink, carefully skirting around Harvey as he continued to stare at the contents of the fridge. Glancing at me, she said, “I’ll see you … later.” She exited the kitchen without even giving me time to respond.
I leveled my stare at Harvey and cleared my throat. “You know the fridge isn’t a free-for-all buffet, Harvey. We each pay for our own groceries. No one is going to be happy if you root through everything and take what you want. I’m sure Posy mentioned that on her tour.”
She was nothing if not thorough.
Harvey let the fridge door close, revealing that he’d already selected a yogurt cup. “Surely no one will notice if one yogurt goes missing. Besides, this looks like the brand you used to buy, if I’m not mistaken.” He popped the top and offered a calculated smile. “I’ll pay you back.”
My jaw tensed. “I just bet you will …” I muttered under my breath.
He gestured around the kitchen. “How are things here anyway? Seems you’ve been keeping your nose clean,” he continued, leaning back against the counter. “You’ll be happy to know Gabriel is still contained.”
I shoved up from the table. “I wasn’t worried.”
Harvey selected a spoon from the drawer beside him and dug into the yogurt as I dumped my own breakfast dishes in the sink and quickly washed them, along with Evangeline’s.
“This home is quite nice. You should be thanking me for sending you someplace so clean and quiet.”
I stilled, almost dropping the mug that I was washing. Magic pooled at my palms, sizzling through the dishwater until bubbles rose to the surface. Keep it together, Holly, I reminded myself. I took a deep breath and the bubbles disappeared. “I’ve made the best of it.”
He smirked. “I understand you’re working at a human shop. What’s that like?”
I rolled my eyes and whipped around. “Is this an official SPA interview? Am I under oath here?”
Harvey didn’t so much as blink. He took another maddeningly casual bite of his stolen breakfast. “No, just idle conversation. Come now, Holly, I thought we were friends. After all, I saved your skin back in Seattle. If not for me, you’d be sharing the same roof as Gabriel and his misguided friends.”
Technically, he was right, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that he was fishing for something. Then again, could it be my own guilty conscious telling me to put up a thick wall? If I didn’t have anything to hide, would I still feel this hostile? Harvey had kept the SPA from getting their claws into me. Granted, the solution had entailed banishment, but it had all worked out in the end. Hadn’t it? If I’d never been banished, I wouldn’t have met Posy, Lacey, Nick, Cassie, Evangeline, or any of my other friends in the small town. I certainly wouldn’t have met Adam.
I released a heavy sigh. “What are you really doing here, Harvey? Just shoot straight with me. Are you here to check up on me?”
Harvey chuckled and finished off the yogurt. “I assure you, Holly, my arrival in Beechwood Harbor has nothing to do with you.” He held up the empty container, flicked it into the air, and I watched as it burst into flames right before my eyes. I frowned as the plastic melted and twisted in mid-air and then popped out of existence. Vanished without a trace. So much for recycling.
Harvey snapped his eyes back to mine. “But, if I find out you’re not holding up to your end of the deal, I have no problem taking you back to Seattle when I go.”
Without another word, he marched from the kitchen.
****
Hours later, Harvey’s not-so-subtle threat was still echoing around in my mind, making it next to impossible to get any work done. My fingers were clumsy and every chop of my knife seemed to have a voice. Back to Seattle. Back, back, back ... After the third attempt at a simple Perky Potion, I extinguished the flame under my kettle and started to pack up the rest of my ingredients.
Evangeline swept into the back room just as I was getting ready to leave. “You’re done already?” she asked, turning her back to me to reach for a basket that was perched on the top shelf of the large bookshelf she used to organize her towels and supplies. “I know you’re quick, but yeesh.”
I waved my hand over the last supplies and they all went to their assigned places inside my small travel potion kit. “I’m not done. I’m giving up,” I replied miserably. “At least for today.”
Evangeline paused from her rummaging and turned to me, the basket propped on her hip. “Are you all right? Are we being too loud? I tried to get Ben to stop blasting the Christmas music but he just won’t listen.”
“No. Not at all.” I sighed as I leaned forward and braced my hands against the counter. “I just can’t focus right now.”
Evangeline gave a sage nod. “You’re worried about dinner with Adam’s parents?”
My eyebrows shot up my forehead. In all the hub-bub with Harvey’s arrival, I’d completely forgotten about Adam’s parents’ looming visit.
Evangeline realized her mistake—likely tipped off by the horrified look on my face—and quickly added, “Not that you have anything to be worried about!”
I plopped into the rolling office chair to the left of the center island and heaved a sigh. “At this rate, I doubt I’ll make it to the Yule Feast without getting arrested and thrown into some SPA prison. You met Harvey.”
“Yeah. He’s … intimidating.”
“That’s a good word for him,” I replied tiredly.
Evangeline set down her basket. “Holly, you’ll be fine. We’re not going to let you go to prison. I’ll call Teddy and see what he can do to help. In the meantime, you can keep working here as long as you need to, and if I can help with deliveries or anything. Just let me know. We’re all on your side.”
I shook my head. “I can’t ask that of you, Evangeline.”
“You didn’t ask. I’m volunteering.”
I cocked my head. “Are you always this stubborn?”
She flashed a wide smile. “Absolutely.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at her self-satisfied expression. She crossed the small storage room and reached out for my hands. I let her heave me up from the chair. “Thank you.”
“Anytime. Now, you get back to work, and I’ll see what I can do about that Christmas music ...”
I didn’t argue as she sauntered from the room, sweeping up her basket of supplies as she went. She pushed the door closed behind her and moments later, I heard her muffled voice as she spoke with Lucy and Ben, warning them that I was not to be disturbed. A few minutes later the music softened and I smiled to myself. It wouldn’t hurt to get one more potion done.
My second attempt proved to be much more successful and I started packing up my supplies while the last draught finished simmering. Once the potion was bottled, I stashed it away with the rest of my potion making kit in the cupboard Evangel
ine had assigned to me. On my way out of the shop, I noticed that Lacey was there. She and Evangeline were giggling over something in a magazine. I considered joining them, but knew that Adam would be waiting for me back at the manor. I waved to them on my way out and thanked Evangeline for her pep talk.
When I got back to the manor, Adam was sitting at the base of the grand staircase. He was wearing his usual black leather jacket, black t-shirt, and well-worn jeans. A faded navy backpack sat on the step beside him. He must have just taken a shower because his dark hair was still damp and slightly tousled. As I shut the door, he popped to his feet and launched into an explanation before I could ask him what was going on. “I have to go into Seattle,” he explained apologetically. “One of my clients got hacked and needs me to come right away.”
“Oh no!” I knew that Adam had to go when duty called, but I was still bummed that he had to leave, especially while Harvey was lingering around the manor.
“Sorry, gorgeous. It should only take me a couple of days to get things sorted out.” Adam bent to retrieve his backpack and casually draped it over his shoulder. “I’ll call you as soon as I get to my hotel for the night.”
I nodded and wrapped my arms around myself. My jacket was slick with rain from the quick walk home. “I wish I could go with you,” I said miserably.
Adam gave me a lopsided smile. “Me too. But trust me, it won’t be any fun. Just a bunch of techy geeks losing their minds cause their bosses are breathing down their necks.”
“So that makes you the white knight?”
Adam laughed. “Something like that.”
He stepped closer and pulled me into a tight embrace. Adam wasn’t really the sentimental type, but he had his moments. I mumbled into his chest, “I’ll be fine. I think I’ll go back to Evangeline’s and hang out with the girls.” I glanced over my shoulder, halfway expecting Harvey to pop out from behind a planter. “You know. Keep busy.”
Adam gave me a knowing smile. “I think that sounds like a good idea. But you might wanna feed the fur ball first.”
I laughed as Boots raced into the foyer, as if on cue. “Sage advice.”
Adam pulled the front door open and gave me a quick kiss. “See you soon, gorgeous. Try and stay out of trouble.”
“No promises.”
He laughed and then stepped across the porch and down the steps.
CHAPTER FOUR
The following morning, after a quick phone call with Adam, I raced off to work, slipping out the front door before Harvey could ambush me in the kitchen again. Boots wasn’t thrilled with my avoidance of the manor, but I assured him it would be a temporary arrangement. At least, I hoped so. Despite the brisk weather, Siren’s Song was busy as ever but the foot traffic tended to come in waves, leaving hours with hardly any customers coming through the doors. In the down time, Cassie managed to keep everyone busy with “winter cleaning” which was essentially the same thing as spring cleaning, just three months early.
The project of the day was reorganizing the large cabinets in the supply room, getting rid of everything that hadn’t been touched by the fluorescent lights of the shop in the last year. We alternated tasks, serving customers and sorting through the storage containers, until the last cupboards were declared purged of all useless items.
“There,” Cassie said, slapping her hands together after shutting the door. “Doesn’t that feel better?”
I humored her with a smile. Organizing and cleaning weren’t really my favorite tasks, but it made Cassie happy. “Much,” I agreed. “Now, if you ask me, I’d say we’ve earned a couple of cookies.”
Cassie’s brilliant blue eyes went wide and she held up a finger. “I have something even better.”
“Then by all means, lead the way,” I replied, making a dramatic wave of my fingers, ushering her past me. She went to the front case and pulled a pale blue box from the bottom shelf. I’d noticed it before, but hadn’t stopped to ask what it was. Cassie popped it open, revealing four miniature cakes with small mermaids piped on them. I squealed at the delicate cakes. “Oh my stars! Cassie, these are gorgeous. Where are they from?”
She lifted one of the tiny cakes from the box, spinning it around to inspect it from all angles. “Mrs. Harding took a pastry class and made them for us. Isn’t that sweet?”
I swiped at the edge of the cake in Cassie’s hand and came away with a fingertip’s worth of frosting. I popped it into my mouth, savoring the decadent buttercream. “Very sweet,” I laughed as Cassie rolled her eyes at the pun.
Cassie handed the cake over. “Guess that one’s yours now.”
I smiled and took it from her. The mermaids were adorable, but my stomach was growling and the tiny taste of frosting had my mouth watering for more. Without hesitation, I bit into the side, taking out a large chunk. “Mmmm. Did she bake them from scratch? These are Otherworldly!”
Cassie giggled and delicately nibbled at the cake she’d selected. “I’m not sure. If she did, we might have to see about getting in some special orders. Not that Matilda and Penny would be too happy about that.”
I flapped a hand. “Don’t worry, Adam gives them enough business to keep them all rolling along for quite some time.”
“I believe it. His appetite is endless. I think every time I see him, he’s munching on something. I don’t know how he doesn’t weigh a ton.”
I smiled down at the last bite of cake pinched between my fingers. If only Cassie knew the truth. As a shifter, his energy requirements were off the charts and his constant snacking was just as much a necessity as it was a mindless habit. Cassie had no idea that the large, black dog that ran around town on a weekly basis, raiding garbage cans, begging scraps off strangers, and charming the residents of the small town, was actually my boyfriend.
“Well, at the moment he’s eating his way through the city of Seattle. He left last night to go handle an emergency. Hacking something or another.”
Cassie’s eyes went round. “Oh, how awful! I hope it’s not one of those identity scams. My uncle got caught up in one of those a few months ago. Nasty business.”
I gave a sympathetic nod, though I really had no idea what it was or how it worked. The haven system used technology in small doses. Most things ran by magic and magic alone. I didn’t know the first thing about hacking and had used a computer less than a dozen times in my entire life. My smart phone and I were constantly at war with one another and besides making calls and texting, I hardly ever used it.
“When will he be back in town?” Cassie asked once she’d polished off the rest of her cake.
“I don’t know. I’m supposed to call him when I get home,” I replied as I licked the last of the icing off my fingertips.
She consulted the large clock on the wall. “Wow! I can’t believe it’s almost closing. Time flies when you’re having fun!”
I wrinkled my nose. Since when was cleaning and dusting considered fun? “Cass, I love you, but you’re sick.”
She laughed and went to the espresso machine. “You want anything to wash that down?”
I shook my head. “I’m all right.”
As she made her drink, I started counting out the tips we’d accumulated throughout the day. They weren’t as overwhelming as they’d been over the summer when tourist season was in full swing, but the locals were generous year-round and it had gone up a bit since everyone was in the holiday spirit. As I counted out the money, I wondered how long I would have to make it last. I relied mostly on my potions business to get me by, especially since I cut back my hours at the coffee shop.
I hadn’t figured out a way to deliver orders to my customers yet and was still running behind in my production. I was debating asking Evangeline if I could borrow her familiar, Flurry—a tawny-colored hawk—for a few days, but had decided that Harvey would probably notice the large bird swooping from house to house. If I didn’t start getting orders out soon, I was going to have to ask Posy if I could get a grace period on my rent.
Cassie f
inished making her drink and turned to me. “I’m sorry you’ve had nothing but closing shifts this month. Paisley told me she can start doing some now that she’s finished at Thistle.”
I shrugged. Right now, the last thing I needed was a reduction in hours. “Don’t worry about it. I don’t mind closing, especially since I get to see you.”
She smiled and bumped me with her hip. “We do make a pretty great team.”
“Honestly, I feel guilty not being here to keep you from working yourself into an early grave.”
Cassie smiled. “I’m not in danger of that anytime soon. Believe me, Jeffery wouldn’t let me anyway.”
“How is Chief?” I asked, a mischievous grin taking hold. Cassie had become increasingly secretive about her relationship with the police chief, Jeffery Lincoln, and I had a feeling it was because things were getting more serious than she was ready to talk about just yet.
Cassie’s cheeks went pink as she took a longer-than-necessary sip from her coffee. “Things are good. Really good.”
I leaned against the counter. “Are you spending Christmas together? You were so nervous about Thanksgiving, but that turned out better than expected, right?”
She nodded. “We haven’t talked about Christmas yet, but I know his folks are coming into town.”
“Oh?” I arched an eyebrow. “So you’re joining my team.”
“What team is that?”
“Team awkward.”
She laughed softly. “I suppose so. He hasn’t asked me to meet them … yet.”
“He will,” I told her confidently.
Cassie took another lingering sip and as I watched her, I had to ask myself why it was so easy for me to cheer on other people’s relationships while I was so terrified of moving forward in my own. After all, Cassie and Chief Lincoln had been dating about the same amount of time as Adam and I had, but from my vantage point, the two relationships couldn’t be more different.
Witch Slapped: A Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery (Beechwood Harbor Magic Mysteries Book 3) Page 3