by Wendy Wang
Charlie scowled and followed him to the side yard. The two of them slipped through the gate and made their way to the car on the street. Charlie saw Ben on the front porch talking to the neighbor. Maybe even asking her questions about the Cochrans. His gaze shifted from the neighbor to her and Will. Charlie gave him a little wave before getting into the passenger side of his truck. A couple of minutes later, Ben and the neighbor walked down the steps together.
Ben got into the driver’s seat. He waved and smiled as the cute soccer mom in her yoga pants and expensive athletic shoes flashed a smile his way.
Charlie gave Ben a disapproving look.
“What did she say?” Charlie asked.
“Oh, you know, just how concerned she was about the disappearance of her neighbors. How they were nice people. How her daughter was best friends with their daughter. How scared she was for the neighborhood,” Ben said. “The usual BS.”
“You think she was lying?” Charlie asked.
“I think she’s just like them, full of secrets.”
“Aren’t we all,” Will muttered and settled into a relaxed position in the back seat.
Chapter 4
Charlie drove down the long driveway to her little house, glad to be home. She probably should’ve gotten a hotel room like Ben had, but she didn’t sleep well in strange places, especially places where unknown people slept, where they left little pieces of themselves for her to stumble over like a rock on a path. It was only a two-hour drive to Columbia tomorrow, to the bus station matching the key Will had found.
It surprised her to see the lights on, glowing warm and cozy through the shears covering her windows, but it also warmed her heart. Tom was waiting for her inside. They’d exchanged keys just after Thanksgiving. It had been her idea and it had started out under the guise of Tom feeding her kitten, Poe, if she couldn’t make it home from Charlotte in time. But that had been a lie, hadn’t it? Yes. She just wanted him to be able to come and go as he pleased under the formality of her permission. He had given her a key to the mortuary, which still seemed odd to her but she understood his desire to reciprocate. As a reaper, he had no need for a house or an apartment. He spent most of his days and nights, when not with her, tending to the dead in one way or another.
As she approached the house, she could feel his energy buzzing around, a strange and glorious feeling. She pulled into her parking spot next to his black Ford Fusion and hopped out. Her feet barely touched the ground as she hurried across the gravel drive, and up the steps into her house.
The scent of herb-roasted chicken filled her senses and her mouth watered. A mewling black ball of fur rushed at her and she scooped Poe up in her arms.
“Well hello there,” she whispered against Poe’s ears. “Did you miss me? I sure missed you.” She planted a kiss on top of Poe’s head and held her close. “Tom? Are you here?”
He popped his head around the short wall dividing the kitchen from the living room. “You’re home.” He wiped his hands on a dishtowel and threw it over his shoulder. “Dinner’s almost ready.”
“Oh my goddess, it smells so good. Much better than the fast-food burger I stopped and got for dinner.” She crossed the living room in a few steps and planted a kiss squarely on his lips. He deftly removed the kitten from her place beneath Charlie’s chin and shifted the purring black fluff into his arms.
“Oh no, I should’ve texted you about dinner,” Tom said. “I didn’t even think you might stop and get something on the way home.”
“I didn’t. I mean, I did, but I haven’t eaten it. And whatever you’re cooking will be divine in comparison.”
“Divine, huh?” he said.
“Yes, sir.” She leaned in and kissed him again.
“Perhaps you should go check out the bathroom.” Tom spoke against her lips while he stroked the kitten’s fur.
Charlie pulled back a little and studied his face. “The bathroom? Why?”
“You’ll see. Go on,” Tom said.
Charlie reluctantly made her way to the small bathroom adjacent to her bedroom and the living room.
When she flipped on the light, it became apparent why Tom had wanted her to take a look. A whole roll of toilet paper had been pulled off the roll and shredded into a million tiny pieces. Charlie gasped and turned to eye the purring offender in Tom’s arms.
“Oh my goodness, Poe. What did you do? Did you shred all that paper?” She retrieved the kitten from Tom and looked her in the eyes. “Did you do this?”
“Are you expecting an answer?” Tom asked.
Charlie chuckled and scratched the kitten behind the ears before kissing her again and gently placing her on the floor.
“Don’t worry. I’ll clean it up,” she said.
“I don’t care about the toilet paper. I figured you’d get a kick out of it.” He brushed his hand along her cheek and kissed her. Charlie leaned into him and he wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her close, deepening the kiss. She pulled away and sighed, then nestled against his neck, breathing him in.
He kissed her temple and held her tight.
“Should I ask how your day was? Or is this affection an indication?”
“The DOL’s fine.” She shrugged. “So far, anyway. I’m not sure I like my new partner. He’s a bit… gruff.”
“More so than Jason?” Tom said, sounding astonished.
“Oh yeah. This guy’s a vampire hunter. And he has seen some darkness.”
“I could say the same of you, and you’re not gruff,” Tom said.
“I know. He’s just a puzzle that I guess I’ll have to figure out,” she said. “Hot one minute, cold the next.”
“Well, why don’t we have some dinner, and then you can take a nice hot bubble bath.”
“That sounds great,” Charlie said. She lifted her face and kissed him on his neck near the base of his ear and whispered, “Maybe you can join me.”
“As you wish, my love,” Tom hugged her tighter. “As you wish.”
The next morning, before Charlie headed out of town, she stopped at The Kitchen Witch Café to say hello to her cousin and to grab some breakfast. She often ate at her cousin’s restaurant, but this was the first time that she could ever remember being at the restaurant only minutes after it opened.
“Good morning,” Jen Holloway chirped from behind the counter. “I was hoping you’d stop by. I want to hear everything about your first day.”
“And I would love to tell you everything, but unfortunately I have to get my breakfast to go. And maybe my lunch, if possible,” Charlie said. “I don’t think I can do fast food two days in a row.”
“Can’t blame you there,” Jen said. “I’ll see what I can whip up. Would you mind taking extra to Ben?”
“Of course not,” Charlie said.
“Great.” Jen perched a pen to her order pad. “What can I get you for breakfast?”
“I will take a pork chop biscuit and a large iced tea,” Charlie said.
Jen scribbled the order on the ticket. “Coming right up.”
Jen put the ticket on the order wheel and gave it a spin. She filled a glass with ice, poured fresh iced tea over it, then placed it in front of Charlie. “While you wait.”
“Thanks,” Charlie said, taking a sip.
“So, are you heading back to Charlotte today?” Jen asked.
“I’m meeting Ben and Will in Columbia first, and then we’ll head to Charlotte.”
“Why don’t you just get a hotel like Ben does?” Jen asked. “All this driving is hard on the body.”
“Well, mainly because no matter how clean you think a hotel room is, it isn’t. At least not for me. I pick up too much of what people leave behind. If you know what I mean.”
Jen scrunched her elfin face, and her nose wrinkled with disgust. “Ew.”
“Ew is right,” Charlie said. “Anyway, it’s not that bad of a commute. And it’s only every other week.”
“True,” Jen said. “So, we’re decorating the tree Fri
day night and I’d like to talk about plans for the day Yule starts. I’m thinking about another bonfire. Everyone seems to enjoy them so much.”
“A bonfire sounds good. I’m not much of a decorator though.”
“But you’re coming for the solstice, right? It’s the start of Yule,” Jen said.
“I don’t know.” Charlie shrugged. “I need to check to see which holidays I get off.”
Jen made an indignant sound. Charlie’s phone chirped, letting her know she had a new text. She pulled her phone from the front pocket of her purse.
“Sorry, it’s Evan.” Charlie held up one finger. Jen scowled and picked up a clean rag and began to wipe down the counter a little too fervently for Charlie’s liking. She focused on the screen in her hand and began to read.
Hey Mom — how do I cast a spell to help my basketball team win their game this week?
You don’t.
Mom. Come on. Please?
No. Absolutely not. You’re not to be practicing witchcraft on your own. There can be dire consequences if you do. Don’t you remember Thanksgiving?
Of course I do. Dad’s still moping around.
I know. And he will for a while.
So there’s no spell to help him?
No honey. Only time can heal that wound.
So how about the winning spell for my team? That one exists, right?
We will talk about it this weekend.
It’ll be too late by then. My game is Friday.
If you really want to win, you’d better practice.
Fine.
A smiling poop emoji appeared on her screen. Charlie frowned.
“What's the matter?” Jen asked.
“Does this mean what I think it means?” Charlie showed Jen the phone. An amused expression lined her cousin’s elfin features.
“It just means he's disappointed. If he were older I would think something else, but since it’s Evan, I’m pretty sure it's just his disappointment,” Jen said.
“Oh,” Charlie said. She put the phone down on the counter. “Well, unfortunately, disappointment’s part of life. Something he has to get used to.”
“I see he's excited about exploring his abilities,” Jen said.
“Yes,” Charlie said. “You could say that. Although I have given him specific instructions that he is not to do any sort of witchcraft or magic without supervision.”
“That can be tough when you're his age. I remember all too well trying to spread my wings once I came into my gifts. You should talk to Evangeline about how she handled it. She did a good job with Lisa and me, and Daphne, of course.”
“That’s a good idea,” Charlie said. “The last thing I need is for him to go off on his own without proper instruction. It could be dangerous.”
“I totally agree,” Jen said. “Thankfully, I don't have to worry about that for a few more years with Ruby.”
“Teaching Ruby will be a piece of cake,” Charlie said. “You don’t have to deal with her dad about what’s right or appropriate.”
“Thank goodness for that,” Jen said. “Now about the solstice--”
“Order up.” Charlie heard Manny the cook’s voice, but she couldn't see him behind the pass-through window.
Jen held up one finger. “Just a second. I’m not done discussing this.” She grabbed three bags from the window, slipped utensils and extra napkins inside the bigger bag, and folded down the tops. “I had him make two lunches, so if you wouldn't mind giving one to Ben.”
“Of course not,” Charlie glanced at her watch. “I’m sorry to do this, hon, but I’ve got to get going.”
“So, do you think you'll be home tonight?” Jen asked.
“That is the plan,” Charlie said.
“Great, we can talk about the solstice then. You and Tom are invited for dinner and I want to hear all about your new job.”
“You don't want to wait until Friday night dinner?” Charlie asked.
“No, that's too far away. I want all the details, plus we’ll be so busy decorating.” Jen grinned.
“Sure, decorating.” Charlie gave her cousin a half-hearted smile. “What about Ben?”
“Oh, well he's invited too if he wants to drive all the way back. But he won't. He'll stay in Charlotte. And I can talk to him anytime about his job. Or at least as much as he'll tell me. And he has no interest in decorating a tree for solstice. I’m hoping a bonfire will entice him to at least come for the first night of Yule.”
“Okay. Sounds good,” Charlie said. “I'll text Tom and let him know about dinner. Thanks.”
Chapter 5
Charlie arrived at the bus station by 8:30 AM. She didn't see Ben's car yet so she took a moment to look through the bag Jen had prepared for them. She found two fruit cups, some fresh coleslaw, and two pimento cheese sandwiches that were generous on the cheese spread and light on the bread. Just the way Charlie liked it. She would pick up some potato chips when she stopped to fill up with gas.
A knock on the window startled her, and she jumped a little. Ben and Will stood outside the door of her Honda. Will nodded and Ben waved. She quickly folded up the paper bag and shoved it into her messenger bag for safekeeping. She hadn't thought to get something for Will. He would have to be on his own for lunch. She got out of the car and locked the door behind her.
“Good morning, boys,” she said.
“Sorry we’re late,” Ben said.
Charlie glanced at the watch on her wrist. “It looks like you're right on time to me. So, are y'all ready to check out this locker?”
“Yes, ma'am.” Will jingled the key in his hand.
“Did you have any dreams last night?” Ben asked.
“I did not. Or at least not anything about this case. Am I expected to dream as part of my job?” Charlie asked.
“No,” Ben chuckled. “I just know that sometimes you do. I thought maybe we might get a little lucky.”
“Sorry,” Charlie said. “But that doesn't mean I won't dream tonight. By the way, Jen says hey. She sent breakfast and lunch for you.” She handed him the bag.
A pleased smile spread across Ben's face. The bag crinkled when he unrolled the top and peered inside. “Anything good?”
“It's from Jen. Of course, it's good. She sent pimento cheese sandwiches for lunch. Not sure what she sent you for breakfast. Will, I'm sorry I didn't think to get you one.”
“No problem,” Will said. “I'm more partial to hamburgers than other kind of sandwiches.”
“Good to know,” Charlie said.
“Are y'all ready to get this party started?” Will asked.
“Lead the way.” Charlie gestured to the building.
A few minutes later, they huddled in front of a row of tall lockers ranging in size from small square cubbies to long, full-sized lockers. It didn't take long for Will to comb through the numbers and find the door matching the key. Charlie held her breath when he slipped the key into the lock, turned it, and carefully opened the door.
Charlie noticed Ben rubbing his thumb across the fingertips of his right hand. He stood ready to call up whatever magic might be needed should they find something they had to contain, or worse, kill.
Her heartbeat thrummed in her ears. She let out a quiet breath once Will opened the door.
“What the hell?” Will said. He reached for the leather-bound book, but Ben grabbed his arm, pulling him away.
“Don't touch that,” Ben said.
“Why not?” Will asked.
Charlie leaned in and inspected the thick book. On the front cover a tree with curled branches had been carved into the leather and on the spine strange writing was etched into the leather. Charlie's heartbeat sped up as soon as she realized what it was.
“I think it’s cursed,” Charlie said.
“What do you mean?” Will said.
“What she means,” Ben said darkly, “is that there’s a possible curse on the spine of that book. Whoever touches it, except for its master, will die an excruciating horrible d
eath. Possibly. We won’t know for sure until we get it back to the office and run some tests on it.”
“Jesus,” Will said, under his breath. “Do I want to know what excruciating, horrible death means?”
“It probably would be different for all of us. We’re not the master of the book, so it might be that the curse is very individualized. My horrible death would not be the same as yours,” Charlie said.
“Lovely,” Will said, clearly not amused. “Sounds more like a witch thing than a demon thing. Figures.”
Charlie bristled. Why was he working with witches if he didn't like them? She thought about asking him but stopped herself. The last thing she needed was to upset Ben since he was her boss now.
“Who do you think hid it here?” Charlie asked. “Husband or wife?”
“My money's on the husband,” Will said. “I found the key in his pocket.”
“Maybe but if I was the wife trying to hide something from my possibly possessed husband, I might hide the key to its location in his pocket,” Charlie said. “Especially if I were devious enough to put a curse on a book and I wanted him to find it.”
“That’s a scary way of looking at it. So you think the wife hid the key hoping her husband would find this book and it would what? Curse him dead?” Will asked.
“Maybe.” Charlie folded her arms across her chest. “I don’t have a good sense of her yet. And we don’t know if it’s a book or who it belongs to. It could be the thing that helped him summon the demon.”
“Charlie's right, it could be either one of them. We won't know until we open the book.”
“And exactly how are we going to do that?” Will asked.
“We’re going to have to extract it carefully. I'll call in some reinforcements. We need a special container.” He pulled his phone from his pocket, quickly thumbed through his contacts, and made a call.
“Hey, Lauren. It's Ben,” he began and walked away out of earshot.
“So are you?” Will asked.
“Am I what?” Charlie asked.
“Devious?” A sly smile spread across his lips.
“Only if I have to be,” she said. “What about you?”