To Love a Witch

by Amanda M. Lee

  “We’ll find her.” He rubbed his hands up and down my arms. “I promise. We just need a little ... help. We also need to stick together.” He was firm.

  “Just out of curiosity — and I’m not asking to delay my answer — but if you felt Aunt Tillie was the key player in this, would you insist she go to work with you?”

  “Absolutely,” he answered without hesitation. “I protect all the residents of Hemlock Cove equally.”

  I waited, dubious, and he smirked. “Or maybe you’re the most important thing in the world to me and I refuse to risk you,” he acknowledged. “That doesn’t change the fact that I’m right. We need to give Aunt Tillie and Thistle time to make that potion. They need a few hours. We can’t give Dani an opening at you until our plan is in place.”

  Everything he said made sense. “I still have to go after her at some point,” I reminded him. “You said it yourself. I make the most sense as bait. Have you wrapped your head around that yet?”

  He hesitated and then nodded. “I know you have to be in the thick of things. For now, though, it’s better if you’re with me.”

  “Okay.” He was right, and I didn’t want to start the day with an argument. “We have to stop at the newspaper office first. I need to find Viola.”

  He furrowed his brow. “Why?”

  “I have to apologize for what happened last night — and then I need to ask her for a favor.”

  His face was blank. “I don’t understand.”

  He wouldn’t, couldn’t really. “I used her and other ghosts in the area — people I’ve never met — to fight off Valerie. I didn’t give them a choice.”

  Realization dawned on his handsome features. “And, in typical fashion, you think that makes you some sort of villain. Bay, you’re not a bad woman. You did what you had to do to protect everyone present.”

  “I’m well aware. I still don’t like commanding the ghosts without giving them a choice. But I told you before that I’m open to doing it when certain situations arise. That doesn’t mean I can’t apologize.”

  “Fine.” Landon threw up his hands. “Apologize to Viola. Then you can come with me to shake down Mrs. Little.”

  Oddly enough, I was looking forward to that portion of the day’s festivities. “Thank you.”

  He linked his fingers with mine as we returned to our walk. “Just out of curiosity, what favor are you going to ask of her?”

  “To find Dani.”

  He slowed his pace but didn’t release my hand. “Can she do that?”

  “In theory. Dani is smart. She knows what I’m capable of. If she wants to block against ghosts, there’s every possibility she’ll do it.”

  “But what if she wants to use the ghosts to draw you into a trap?”

  I flashed a smile. “Now I see why you’re such a highly regarded investigator.”

  He frowned. “Ugh. I should’ve seen this coming. You think she’ll set a trap through the ghosts.”

  “I’m counting on it. I need Viola to find her. Dani won’t show herself until she’s ready. At least we’ll know where she is when the time comes — if this plays out the way I think it will.”

  “Okay. Viola first.” He leaned in and gave me a kiss. “Bay, when it’s time to approach Dani, I want to talk about the plan before we enact it. That’s only fair.”

  “I know. I’m probably going to have to be the one to challenge her, and I might be alone when that happens. You realize that, right?”

  He worked his jaw and then nodded. “We’ll tackle that when it’s time. For now, I want you close to me. We’ll cover every contingency when it’s time to take on Dani. I want your word that we’ll do it together if at all possible.

  “I know that you might get separated and if she goes after you alone you’ll have no choice,” he continued. “I want you to protect yourself no matter what. If there’s a choice, I want to be involved.”

  I should’ve seen that coming. Of course he would want to be involved. “We’ll figure it out.”

  “Good.” He wrapped his arms around me and held tight. “I love you ... but sometimes I think you’re going to give me an ulcer.”

  That made me laugh. “If it’s any consolation, you still smell like doughnuts.”

  “I know. Aunt Tillie fixed it so I can smell it too. There are times I almost want to molest myself.”

  I laughed so hard tears formed in my eyes. “I love you too.”

  “I know.” He swiped at the tears. “We’re in this together, Bay. Don’t forget that when things get hairy.”

  “I won’t. You have my word.”

  UNLIKE THE PREVIOUS GHOST AT The Whistler — Edith, a woman I still had mixed feelings about — Viola was volatile. She was also easier to deal with than the previous resident. When I offered her my heartfelt apology, she rolled her eyes.

  “I like a good fight,” she said. “It was fine, but what was up with that ghost?”

  “She’s being controlled.”

  “Who’s doing the controlling?”

  I told her about Dani, showed her a photo, and then asked for my favor. She perked right up. “I’ll find her,” she promised. “You have my word.” She saluted and then disappeared.

  From the couch in my office where he’d planted himself so I could do my thing, Landon arched an eyebrow. “Mission accomplished?”

  I nodded. “She doesn’t even seem upset.”

  “So in other words, you felt bad for nothing. I’m sensing a pattern here, Bay.”

  I offered up a half smile. “Maybe I have a problem.”

  “You do. You’re harder on yourself than you have any cause to be, especially because I happen to believe you’re pretty much perfect.”

  I shook my head. He was always my biggest cheerleader, and I appreciated it. “I think you might look at me differently than most people.”

  “I certainly hope so.” He extended his hand as he stood. “Are you ready to shake down Mrs. Little?”

  Now that was something I’d been looking forward to. “Do you think we’ll make her cry?”

  “That’s something Aunt Tillie would ask.”

  “Maybe I’m turning into her.”

  He mock shuddered. “Now that is a frightening thought. Oddly, though, I’m okay with it. I understand why that woman gets Aunt Tillie’s dander up. She’s a horrible excuse for a human being ... and we’re nailing her today.”

  He sounded sure of himself. I’d been around Mrs. Little enough to know that she wouldn’t go down without a fight, and I was spoiling for one. “Let’s do it.”

  CHIEF TERRY MET US IN FRONT OF Mrs. Little’s store. He had a folded piece of paper in his hand and a grim look on his face.

  “Did you get it?” Landon asked.

  “Get what?” I asked.

  “I got it.” Chief Terry looked ready for battle. “It was easier than I thought. When I explained to the judge who I was going after and why, he only asked for basic evidence — delivered verbally nonetheless — and then signed it. He seemed almost gleeful.”

  I was still lagging behind the conversation. “What is that?”

  Chief Terry sent me a mischievous smile. “I think you should find out when Margaret does. It might be more fun.”

  As a Winchester, there was little I hated more than being left out of the loop. “Tell me now.”

  “That would be unprofessional.” He winked at me. “I’m nothing if not a diligent public servant.”

  “Fine.” I pouted as I followed them into the store. “This is pure torture.”

  “You’ll live.” Chief Terry cleared his throat once we were inside, and when I peered around his broad shoulders, I found Mrs. Little dutifully dusting a shelf. “Margaret.”

  Mrs. Little’s shoulders stiffened as she turned. Her gaze bounced from face to face, finally landing on mine. She didn’t look happy. “If you’re here to arrest me for what happened last night, you should be aware that I’ve already talked to my attorney and he’s taken my statement on the record
. He knows that Bay killed Eric Savage.”

  My mouth dropped open. “Excuse me?” My voice was shrill. I couldn’t believe her audacity.

  Landon shot me a quelling look and I immediately snapped my mouth shut. I was supposed to be an observer, a witness if called upon. I wasn’t an active interrogation participant by design. This was on the law enforcement contingent of our group, and I’d agreed to that stipulation before being included. I couldn’t go back on my word now.

  “We have witnesses to the events of last night, and that story won’t fly,” Chief Terry said gravely.

  “Well, given your relationship with the woman in question, I’m guessing I can get both of you booted from this case and an independent investigator will see things differently.”

  It was a brazen threat, I had to give her that. Landon and Chief Terry were prepared for it, though.

  “That’s certainly your prerogative,” Landon said. “You should know that I contacted the Michigan State Police last night. I anticipated this reaction. I forwarded everything we had on the case.

  “When I got to the part about you and Wayne Lawson fleeing the scene after being there illegally, they were quite interested,” he continued. “I explained how Bay, Thistle, and Tillie Winchester were at the campground when they heard noise and went to check it out. Given the tragedies that have occurred on that property the last few days, it’s only natural they gave in to their curiosity.”

  I pressed my lips together and stared at him in wonder. He’d done much more during the time that we were separated last night than I realized. He’d essentially built a wall that Mrs. Little had no hope of scaling, and he was unveiling it now. I was floored. I was also kind of hot for him, and it wasn’t just the doughnut smell this time. That would have to wait for later, though.

  “Excuse me?” Mrs. Little was a master manipulator. She understood that going on the offensive was her best bet, and that was on full display now. I had no doubt that she’d been rehearsing her response to Chief Terry and Landon’s interrogation since she’d departed the lakefront property when our backs were turned. “If your precious girlfriend and her family were so worried about what was happening on that property, why didn’t they call you?”

  “They tried,” Landon replied smoothly. “Unfortunately, cell reception is spotty out there. They couldn’t reach us. Rather than risk another dead body showing up, they decided to offer their help. When they arrived at the location, they found you, Wayne Lawson, and Eric Savage conspiring to dig up the land on property you don’t own and steal something you believe is buried there.”

  Mrs. Little looked like a guppy as her lips moved but no sound came out. I had to turn away to keep from laughing. This was going better than I could’ve possibly hoped.

  “We want to know what it is that you’re searching for,” Chief Terry demanded.

  Rather than immediately answer, Mrs. Little narrowed her eyes at me. “You set me up.”

  I shook my head. “I’m pretty sure you did this to yourself,” I argued. “You thought you were going to find a hidden stash of pirate treasure. I mean ... pirate treasure? Really?”

  She exploded. I expected it, but not this fast. “Arlen Topper was real. He lived on that property. He died without leaving his estate to anyone. That money didn’t just disappear. It’s out there.”

  “Even if it is, it doesn’t belong to you,” Landon said.

  “If I find it and there are no living heirs, it does belong to me,” Mrs. Little snapped. “I’ve researched the situation. I know.”

  Landon remained calm, his training kicking in. “And the property owners have nothing to do with it?”

  “There are no property owners. Heather Castle is dead. The house and the land are in limbo.”

  “Her estate owns the property, and the legalities of that are being sorted out as we speak,” Landon said. “You have no claim to anything you find out there. In addition to that, if you’re committing a crime during the initial discovery, all monetary gains are forfeit.”

  Mrs. Little glowered. “You can’t keep me from that treasure. We’ve been looking for months. We’re narrowing down the location. We’ve put far too much work into this to simply give up because you say we can’t look.”

  “We’re not the only ones who say that,” Chief Terry said. “A circuit judge has signed off on it.” He produced the sheet of paper and shoved it in her direction. “Margaret Little, you are formally prohibited from visiting the property located at 1356 Looking Glass Lane. If you trespass, we have immediate grounds to arrest and incarcerate you. Do you understand?”

  I was loving the moment. I found myself drifting closer to Landon. It felt as if an explosion was about to level the room and I wanted to protect him should Mrs. Little turn into a small hurricane and start clawing his eyes out.

  “You can’t do this.” Tears formed in Mrs. Little’s eyes. “I haven’t done anything wrong.”

  “You’re the only one who believes that,” Chief Terry challenged. “And I hate to break it to you, but I think you know deep down that what you’ve been doing is wrong. I don’t know why you’ve chosen to go this route. I really don’t care. If you’re caught out there again, I will take great pleasure in hauling you to jail.”

  “As for an independent investigator, one should arrive this afternoon,” Landon added. “He’ll have questions for you.”

  Vitriol practically dripped from Mrs. Little’s curled lips. “And what happens when I tell him that three witches killed a man last night?”

  “I don’t know.” Landon didn’t look bothered by the question. “I suggest you float that idea and we’ll find out.”

  I couldn’t hide my surprise at his response. “Landon ... .” I kept my voice low, but he gave me a short, almost imperceptible shake of his head.

  “This isn’t over,” Mrs. Little warned as she crumpled the paper in her hand. “You won’t keep me from what I’ve earned. You stole that campground from me, and Eric stole the house from me, but I’m nowhere near done.”

  “That sounds like a healthy attitude,” Chief Terry noted. “I meant what I said. If you show up on that property again, it will be my great pleasure to arrest you. I’ll even do a public perp walk and take you into the police department through the front door.”

  “I think I know a few people who would be happy to film that,” Landon volunteered. “One of them drives a scooter while wearing a cape.”

  “I won’t let you beat me,” Mrs. Little gritted out. “I just ... won’t. We’re not done.”

  “Oh, we’re done,” Landon shot back. “The fact that you’re the only one who doesn’t realize it is on you.”

  Twenty-Five

  I could barely contain my excitement until we exited the store.

  “That was so fun!”

  “Shh.” Landon slapped his hand over my mouth and moved me until we were away from the window. His smile was sloppy when he met my gaze. “Who’s your favorite person in the world?”

  “Betty White.”

  He frowned.

  “You’re a close second.” I threw my arms around his neck and hugged him tight. “It’s like Christmas. I’ve never seen her react like that. She was so angry.”

  “She was,” Chief Terry agreed as he looked up and down the street. He seemed nervous. Mrs. Little was angry, but she had no power to change things — at least not this soon.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked as Landon kept close, his top shirt button open. I had a feeling it was so I had no choice but to inhale the intoxicating scent of doughnuts and potentially lose my head. He would be perfectly fine if I forgot that we had a dangerous witch to deal with and dragged him across the road to my office.

  “Did I say anything was wrong?” He was the picture of innocence as he returned his focus to me. “I’m just ... reveling in my win.”

  That was a lie — and Chief Terry never lied to me. “No, you’re afraid.” I didn’t need Clove’s heightened powers to read him. When we were kids, he w
as capable of hiding things from us when he told himself it was for our own good. As we grew more accustomed to his mannerisms, he slowly lost that ability. Now he was nearly incapable of telling an untruth and getting us to buy it. “No, something is wrong.” I turned my eyes to Landon. “Tell me what’s wrong.”

  “I don’t know.” Landon kept one arm around me as he turned his head to Chief Terry. “Bay’s right. You’re a terrible liar. What gives?”

  I balked. “I didn’t say he was a liar.”

  “Thank you, Bay,” Chief Terry said, glaring at Landon. “At least one of you isn’t a pain today.”

  “I was thinking it, but I didn’t say it,” I clarified. “You’re all worked up all of a sudden. That makes me antsy. I don’t like being antsy.”

  “I don’t like it either,” Landon noted. “I smell like doughnuts, for crying out loud. She’s supposed to be falling under my spell so I can distract her from getting into a witch fight this afternoon. That can’t happen if you keep acting like that.”

  Chief Terry heaved out a sigh. “There might be one problem.”

  “With Mrs. Little?” I felt as if I was dragging. “I don’t understand.”

  “Not Margaret. I thought of it as the conversation was winding down with her, though. It’s something we should’ve discussed over breakfast, but it slipped through the cracks and now I feel it’s my responsibility to deal with it.”

  I waited but he didn’t volunteer the information.

  “Don’t keep us in suspense,” Landon snapped. “If we’ve forgotten something, you need to tell us what it is. Is Bay in danger?”

  “Not Bay,” Chief Terry responded. “Dani isn’t going to attack in the middle of the street.”

  Landon tentatively lowered his arms. “So ... what did we miss?”

  Chief Terry’s eyes landed on me and he swallowed hard. “We locked Clove up at the inn because she makes an obvious target. She’s with your mother and aunts. Tillie is with Thistle. Someone would have to be stupid to go after them. You’re with us. Landon and I aren’t magical, but we can hold our own if it becomes necessary.”