by Chloe Mayson
The blond looked undecided for a moment. Finally, she let out a deep sigh and disappeared through a door behind the booth instead of picking up the phone and announcing Cortney’s presence.
When the nurse didn’t return immediately, Tom Cat rubbed against Cortney’s leg. “Don’t you dare speak a word in the waiting room,” Cortney whispered.
“Meow, meow,” Tom Cat said.
“Yes, you were going to say something?”
“Who are you speaking to?” the nurse said as she stepped up to the receptionist window.
“Ah, you caught me. I have a habit of talking to myself. I’ll mention it to the doctor,” Cortney said as the nurse buzzed her through the security door.
“You have a cat?” the nurse said as she spotted Tom Cat. “You can’t bring a cat into the doctor’s office!”
“It’s okay, Blondie, Tom Cat is an old friend of the doctor’s,” Cortney said as she opened the door with Doctor Wigdahl written in gold paint across the middle panel.
The warlock didn’t look up from studying the papers in the manila folder on his desk as Cortney walked around a patient examining table. Only when Cortney took a seat in one of the two chairs in front of his desk, did the warlock look up and smile.
Wow, what a beautiful smile, Cortney thought.
“Sorry, I was studying the records of the next patient. And I apologize for Dianna. She’s very protective of me,” Councilman Wigdahl said.
“I find it interesting that a warlock would become a doctor,” Cortney said.
“I have a great love for mortals. It’s my way of helping make their short lives better,” the warlock replied.
“Yes, I keep forgetting that as a witch I’ll age very little. I haven’t wrapped my mind around that little fact yet.” Cortney said.
“I’m sure that the new reality takes a lot of getting used to,” the warlock said.
“From all the happy faces I just saw in your waiting room, your patients must love you,” Cortney said.
“I am thankful for their support. Now, I’m sure that you didn’t come here to discuss my doctor-patient relationships. So, how can I be of service to you?” the warlock said with an even broader smile.
“I’m after the councilman that poisoned my aunt. I’ve eliminated Councilman Innman, now I’m visiting the rest of you one by one in search of the murderer,” Cortney said.
“If I may ask, how did you eliminate Councilman Innman? I had harbored suspicions that he might have been the culprit. He and Morticia were always infighting,” the handsome, light haired warlock said.
“He took the truth oath,” Tom Cat spoke up.
“You know you really shouldn’t go around with your familiar. It draws suspicion to you,” the warlock said as he glanced down at Tom Cat. “Wow, I’m shocked that Councilman Innman would take the truth oath. You know it’s very dangerous. When you are under its influence, if you lie, the spell causes you to erupt in flames. Not a pretty way to die.”
“Yes, I’ve been told that,” Cortney replied.
“Yes, the truth oath is a serious undertaking,” the warlock said.
“Will you take the truth oath, and under its influence answer if you poisoned my aunt?” Cortney asked.
“Certainly. I would be delighted to prove that I didn’t poison Morticia. However, can we do this later at my house. The spell leaves one fatigued, and I do have a lot of patients to see today,” the warlock said.
“Of course. How about tonight?” Cortney asked.
“Could we make it the following night? Tonight is my nurse Luna’s birthday. I’m taking her to dinner and a movie,” the warlock said in an apologetic tone.
“That works,” Cortney agreed.
“Maybe after the oath, you and I could chat. I should get to know you better. Morticia and I had an excellent working relationship.”
“That would be nice,” Cortney said. “Ah, do you have any suspicions of which of the remaining three warlocks might be the killer?” Cortney added.
“Hawk Blackman is the one I would put my money on. He’s a real snake in the grass. He is dishonest down to his toes. He has always wanted to be head of the council. However, Morticia was too powerful to challenge.” the warlock doctor said.
“What made my aunt so powerful?” Cortney asked.
“Barnaby House. It sits in the middle of the cemetery and draws power from the souls of the dead; for Morticia before and now you,” the warlock said.
“Hmm, I guess there are still things about being the heir to my aunt’s estate that I’ve yet to learn. So, that’s why the warlock that killed my aunt is also trying to kill me. He is afraid that I will become as powerful as Aunt Morticia? And you think the guilty warlock is Hawk Blackman?”
“Yes, I do. But I could be mistaken,” Doctor Wigdahl said.
“Yeah, well, I’ll put Warlock Blackman at the top of my list. However, no one gets eliminated until they take the truth oath,” Cortney said in a determined voice.
“I don’t want to be rude, but I must see my next patient,” the warlock said.
“Yes, you have a waiting room full of patients to see, and here I am taking up their time,” Cortney said as she stood. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow night,” Cortney called over her shoulder as she headed for the door.
“Wow, I like him,” Cortney said as her and Tom Cat walked out of the doctor’s office. “And he’s handsome.”
“And one of the warlocks that might have poisoned your aunt and tried to kill you twice?” Tom Cat reminded Cortney.
“Nope, I don’t think he’s the killer. He’s too nice. His patients love him too much for him to be a killer. But he still must take the truth oath,” Cortney answered.
Cortney paused as they reached the diner. “Look at that,” she said.
“What?” Tom Cat asked.
“Gator is sweeping the floor. Hmm, I would have never guessed in a thousand years he would turn out to be so domestic,” Cortney said as she held the door open for Tom Cat.
“Meow,” Tom Cat said.
“Look what the cat drug in,” Pop called out as he leaned his head through the service window.
“Meow,” Tom Cat called out to annoy Pop.
“You know, Boss, black cats are bad luck.” Pop said shaking his head as he watched Tom Cat settle on his bed of old towels under the counter.
After Gator finished sweeping the floor, Cortney brought two cups of coffee to the last booth and motioned the strange looking man to join her.
“What do you know about Councilman Blackman?” Cortney asked.
“He owns most of the rentals in town. He made a fortune in the real estate business. It’s better to make a deal with the devil than Hawk Blackman,” Gator said.
“I’m more interested in your opinion of him as a warlock,” Cortney said.
“Behind his professional smile beats a stone-cold heart. He and Morticia were barely on speaking terms, at least that was the case when I was still allowed at Barnaby House. I’m sure nothing has changed since then. If he didn’t poison Morticia, he certainly applauded her death. Why do you ask?” Gator said.
“He’s at the top of my suspect list,” Cortney replied.
“How did it go with warlock Wigdahl? Did he take the truth oath?” Gator said.
“No, he had too many patients to see. He feared that taking the oath would leave him too fatigued to consult with his patients. He told me to stop by his house tomorrow night, and he would be glad to take the oath,” Cortney said.
“Why not tonight?” Gator asked with arched eyebrows.
“It’s his nurse’s birthday. He’s taking her out to dinner and a movie,” Cortney said.
“I had heard rumors that the relationship between Fran and his nurse went beyond business,” Gator said.
“So, what’s the big deal?” Cortney asked.
“One is a warlock and the other a mortal. Think of oil and water,” Gator said.
“But my mother was a witch, and she married a
mortal,” Cortney said.
“No, your parents weren’t married. Morticia forbade them from getting married. Marrying mortals is against the rules of the magic council.” Gator said.
“Great. Now I learn that my parents weren’t married. Hmm, I guess Frank forgot to tell me,” Cortney said in a sarcastic tone.
Gator shrugged. “Marriage is overrated in my opinion.”
“Well, I hope for Doctor Wigdahl’s sake that their relationship is superficial,” Cortney said.
“Which warlock are you going to confront next?” Gator asked.
“To tell the truth, after what you and Doctor Wigdahl told me about Warlock Blackman, I don’t think I’m ready to tackle him. I should discuss it with Frank and Chester,” Cortney said.
“Yes, you mustn’t look upon the councilmen as doctors, real estate agents, construction owners, and jewelry store owners, but as powerful warlocks. To do otherwise is dangerous and could get you killed,” Gator said.
“Okay, but it’s hard. I mean they all look like ordinary men,” Cortney said.
“And if you glance in the mirror, you’ll find that you look like an ordinary woman. But I think you realize by now that is not the case. Ordinary women can’t shoot fireballs out of their fingertips or ride broomsticks,” Gator said.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right. I certainly feel different since I wrote my name in the Ancient Book of Witchcraft,” Cortney admitted.
The bell over the door jingled.
“I’ll take him,” Cortney said as she stood. “You waited on everyone while I was at Doctor Wigdahl’s office. It’s my turn.”
Later as Cortney wiped the counter, she felt depressed. She hadn’t made much progress finding the warlock that had poisoned her aunt. The one warlock that had been eliminated had come forward on his own to take the truth oath. And every time she turned around, it seemed that the killer was making another attempt to kill her.
I shouldn’t forget to interview Roger at the gun shop and the two officers that attacked me with their nightsticks. It’s a long shot, but maybe I’ll get a clue as to which warlock put a spell on them.
Chapter Eighteen
“Cortney, how did your day at the diner go?” Frank asked as Mildred served rabbit stew.
“Good, if you discount someone pulling a gun on me,” Cortney said.
“Oh, and how did you handle that situation?” Frank asked.
Cortney nodded at Gator who sat on the right side of the table between her and Frank. “Gator handled it for me.”
“Gator! You didn’t kill someone did you?” Frank asked as he looked sharply at the thin, reptilian-looking man.
“You know I can’t kill morts because of the spell Morticia put on me,” Gator said as he greedily spooned stew into his thin-lipped mouth.
“Morts? What are morts?” Cortney asked.
“Mortals,” Tom Cat said as he glanced up from his bowl of milk.
“Oh,” Cortney said.
“Do you know which warlock sent him?” Frank asked hopefully.
“No, I didn’t have time to question him before Councilman Innman wiped his memory. I think it’s awful that we must wipe mortals’… I mean morts’ memories,” Cortney said.
“Oh, would you prefer the good citizens of Bayou George burning you at the stake when they discover you are a witch?” Tom Cat asked.
“I liked it better when you only meowed,” Cortney said.
“Your familiar is correct. Any recollections of witches, warlocks, or magic must be erased from mortals’ minds. It is the only way to protect ourselves.” Frank said.
“Yeah, I see your point, but it still seems harsh,” Cortney said.
“We must discover which of the four remaining warlocks is the one trying to kill you,” Frank said.
“Couldn’t we just summon them to Barnaby House and have each of them take the truth oath?” Cortney said.
“No, we can’t let the culprit back into Barnaby House. He almost killed us all with his spiders. You are at your weakest when you face an opponent inside Barnaby House. The house has powerful protection spells that defend against any spell a warlock can conjure up. However, inside the house there are no protection spells,” Frank said.
“But the same applies to their homes too, right?” Cortney said. “Once I am inside their homes, their protections spells are nullified.”
“True,” Frank said. “So, what are your plans?”
“I’m going to pay each one a visit and demand that they take the truth oath,” Cortney said.
“And if they refuse?” Frank asked,
“I’ll ask nicely,” Cortney replied.
“And if they still refuse?” Frank persisted.
“I’ll take Gator with me,” Cortney said.
“Gator is formidable, but he’s no match for the magic of a warlock on his own turf,” Frank informed Cortney.
“Together we can take on a warlock,” Cortney said in an unsure tone.
“And how many spells can you conjure up on a moment’s notice?” Tom Cat asked.
“Fireball is the only one, but they don’t know that,” Cortney insisted.
“You might be able to bully the innocent warlocks into taking the truth oath, but not the guilty one. He will attack you with all his power and attempt to kill you and Gator.”
“Can I pop from place to place like Tom Cat?” Cortney asked.
Frank rubbed his chin. “I’m not sure.” He glanced at Mildred who stood in her usual position near the door to the kitchen. “Can she, Mildred?
“If she is holding Hildegard she can teleport back to her bedroom,” the old crone replied.
“I would have liked to have known that when I was lost in the fog over the swamp.” Cortney shook her head. “Better late than never. So, how do I do it?” Cortney asked
“Just form an image of your bedroom in your mind and command Hildegard to take you home,” Mildred said.
“That’s easy,” Cortney said. She glanced at Frank. “See, if we get into trouble, I’ll just pop back to my bedroom.”
“Mildred, can she also teleport Gator at the same time?” Frank asked.
“Yes, as long as he is holding her hand or holding the broomstick,” the old crone answered.
“Then it’s settled. I’m going warlock hunting. I’ll start tonight,” she added.
“I advise against it,” Frank said as he pulled on the earlobe of his larger ear.
“Duly noted,” Cortney said as she pushed back from the table. “Come on Gator. We have work to do. I hope you enjoy riding on a broomstick,” Cortney said as she headed for the stairs.
“If Gator is going with you, does that mean I get to stay home?” Tom Cat asked as he hurried after Cortney and Gator.
“No, you are going with us. You can ride on the brush as usual,” Cortney replied as they climbed the stairs.
“Is your witch’s broomstick strong enough to carry the three of us?” Gator asked as they reached the landing.
“Hmm, I’ll ask Hildegard, but I’m pretty sure she’ll carry us,” Cortney said. She paused at Chester’s bedroom door. “Let’s go and tell Chester what we’ve planned,” Cortney added as she knocked lightly on the door.
“Ah, Chester doesn’t like me,” Gator said, holding back when Cortney opened the door.
“Why?” Cortney asked.
“Because he is an abomination!” the ghost said as he materialized in front of Cortney. “He was conjured up to be a vessel for my consciousness as I lay dying. Instead, a little imperfection created that half-mortal, half-amphibian freak, although he looks more like a cross between a man and a snake,” Chester said.
“I’m not a freak, Daddy,” Gator said, suddenly sounding like a little boy.
“Daddy?” Cortney said as she looked from Chester to Gator.
“Don’t call me that!” Chester said.
“Morticia used a hair from his head. I’m part of him,” Gator explained.
“You are a mangy tadpole. You just
didn’t turn into a toad,” Chester said.
“Chester, he might not be your son; however, he’s biologically a part of you. So, in a sense, you are his father. I guess the tadpole was his mother,” Cortney said.
Tom Cat snickered.
“It’s no laughing matter,” Chester said. “If the brew hadn’t been contaminated, I would be alive now and not a ghost,” he added.
“Enough family squabbling, Chester. I stopped by to tell you that I’m going out tonight to confront one of the warlocks. I’m going to try to get him to take the truth oath,” Cortney explained.
“That’s dangerous,” Chester warned.
“Yeah, that’s what Frank said. But I’m taking Gator and Tom Cat along as backup, in case things go sideways,” Cortney explained.
“Which of the warlocks are you going to confront first?” Chester asked.
“Councilman Stonemason,” Cortney replied.
“I always thought him an honest warlock, willing to work among the morts. I suspect that he puts a little magic in all his buildings. They are all magnificent. I know for a fact that he conspired with Morticia to incorporate spells into Barnaby House. The house is like a living being. You can call on it when you are in danger, Cortney,” Chester said.
“Really? Just when I was sure it couldn’t get any weirder, you tell me the house is alive,” Cortney said shaking her head.
“Can we go yet?” Tom Cat said. “I hate family reunions.”
Chester swiped his hand through the cat’s head.
Tom Cat screamed.
“Gator is not my family,” Chester said.
“Stop screaming, Tom Cat. Chester didn’t hurt you,” Cortney said.
“You screamed when he did it to you,” the familiar replied.
“Gator, say goodbye to your dad,” Cortney said to annoy Chester.
The reptilian looking man advanced on the ghost as though to hug him.
Chester squealed and vanished.
“Let’s go,” Cortney said with a chuckle as she opened the door.
“Hmm, I don’t know why he won’t acknowledge that he and I are linked,” Gator said.
“Well, having a tadpole in your family tree isn’t something even a ghost would brag about,” Tom Cat said.