"No need to worry." Grandma Vi descended from the ceiling and hovered beside Aunt Pearl. "I’ll track them down. Where is this Centralex place? I'll start there."
I pulled out my cell phone and searched for the address. Having a ghost at my disposal was definitely an advantage. "I'm going with you."
CHAPTER 31
I put the pedal to the metal and accelerated onto the highway towards Shady Creek and Centralex. I hoped that was where Tonya and Jack were headed, because I had no other way to find them.
It was hard to focus on driving with Grandma Vi floating freely around the car. Ghosts didn't sit, they hovered, and she seemed to always block my view whenever I checked the rear view mirror. Her semi-transparent form created a fog-like blurriness that made it hard to see the road in front of me too.
"Keep your eyes on the road, Cen, or you'll get us killed." Grandma hovered dangerously close to the steering wheel. I doubted a ghost could actually grab the steering wheel, but it unnerved me all the same.
"You're already dead, remember?"
"You’ll be dead too if you don't slow down," she grumbled and retreated to the back seat.
I changed the subject. "Try to remember what else was going on in Tonya and Jack's room."
"You mean, besides the sex?"
"Of course, besides that. What did they talk about?"
"I wasn't really listening, but I remember something about getting hitched."
"You mean, like to each other?" Another murder motive, but I couldn't exactly give Sheriff Gates unconfirmed intelligence from an eavesdropping ghost. I had to somehow verify her claims.
"Tonya told Jack they had to wait a year till all the fuss from Sebastien's murder died down. That's all I heard."
I felt a lump in my throat at the talk of marriage. "Are you sure? Try to think back. We know one or both of them killed Sebastien Plant. We just have to prove it."
"Is that why we're chasing them all the way to Shady Creek?" Grandma hovered over the front seat, making a semi-transparent blind spot. "It seems like a waste of time. Isn't that the sheriff's job?"
"He can't deal with witches, Grandma. He needs our help."
"He did a pretty good job on Pearl. Why are we helping Sheriff Gates at all? He's locked Pearl up in the slammer. It's persecution."
"She brought that on herself and you know it." I couldn’t expect Grandma Vi to be objective where her own daughter was involved. "Murder is much more serious, and Tonya and Jack are trying to get our land. We're helping our own cause. It's in our best interests to help him by setting a trap for Tonya and Jack."
“That hippie already has my room. I want him out.” Grandma Vi floated sideways and hovered over the front passenger seat. "How, exactly, do we do that?"
"We say we've changed our minds about selling. I'm just the messenger for Mom, Pearl, and Amber, the real owners, so they have no choice but to return to Westwick Corners."
Grandma Vi sniffed. "It sounds risky. Don't I have a say in this?"
"Of course you do, but you're a ghost, remember? You left the property to your daughters, so it's up to them to make any deals. It's just a ruse. We aren't really going to sell the place."
"Better not. I want my room back. Especially now that you've called off the wedding."
"Fine with me." It wasn't my decision, but I wasn't willing to room with Grandma Vi on a long-term basis either. We'd drive each other nuts. "We've got to find Tonya and Jack first. We'll trick them into returning to Westwick Corners."
We drove another thirty minutes in silence until we reached the turnoff for Shady Creek. We exited the highway and drove another half-mile to downtown. Centralex occupied the tallest building, a concrete and glass monstrosity that seemed to sprout from the older low-rises of brick and wood like an invasive weed.
I slowed as we reached the building but felt a stab of fear at the idea of entering the parking lot.
"You missed the entrance," Grandma Vi pointed out.
"I know. I need to formulate a plan." I turned the corner and circled the block.
"Really, Cen? You had so much time to think about that on the drive over. Stop over-thinking and get going."
"Easy for you to say. You're invisible." I slowed the car as I returned to the front of the building. My spirits lifted when I spotted the Centralex truck in the parking lot. My hopes were just as quickly deflated when I spotted three other identical trucks. “I wish there was an easier way to find out if they’re here or not.”
Grandma Vi snorted. "I'll go while you wait in the car."
"Not an option." Grandma couldn’t drive a car, but I had no doubt she could find trouble inside Centralex headquarters. I pulled into a spot at the far end of the parking lot and parked the car. "Let's go."
As I walked towards the building I got the sense that there was no turning back.
CHAPTER 32
I pulled on the heavy glass door of Centralex headquarters, surprised to find it unlocked on a Saturday. I held it open momentarily to allow Grandma Vi to slip through. It was force of habit but completely unnecessary since she could travel through glass doors.
The main floor opened into a large glass atrium with a set of stairs along one side.
"Wait here," I said to Grandma Vi. I ascended the stairs to the second floor. I tiptoed across the thick plush carpet just as voices rose at the end of the hallway.
Two people were talking, but judging by the deep voices, it was two men—not Jack and Tonya.
I stood against the wall opposite the boardroom. My viewpoint gave me a clear line of sight through an open door to the conference table. The two men sat just ten feet away, and the one facing me was Jack.
I reeled in shock as I recognized Brayden's voice.
"The zoning has to be changed, but that's easy," Brayden said. "The councillors generally do what I say. The West family wants top dollar, but I think they'll take your offer if it's reasonably close to market value."
Something caught in my throat as I realized Brayden was talking about our property. Not only had Grandma Vi been right about Jack and Tonya's plan, but Brayden was apparently in on it too. He had been in cahoots with Jack even before our breakup. That hurt. As mayor he clearly had a conflict of interest, but how could he betray me like this?
I was so incensed that I almost marched right into the room. I took a deep breath and calmed myself as I inched closer. I didn't need Grandma Vi beside me to read Brayden's mind.
Jack slid a stack of papers across the table to Brayden. "There's something in it for you if this all gets passed."
Was Brayden being bought off? Brayden was a lot of things, but he wasn't a criminal. I was certain he wouldn’t accept a cash bribe, but I also couldn't believe what I was hearing.
"I don't know," Brayden said. "It will be hard to just give up politics."
"You don't have to. Work with me for a few years and return to politics after that." Jack rose from his seat and walked around to Brayden. "You get us the political connections, and we'll make a name for you." Jack man-hugged Brayden and slapped him on the back. "Win-win."
"It's tempting," Brayden said. "There’s really nothing holding me in Westwick Corners anymore."
He was obviously referring to me, but so much for the town that he also professed to love so much.
"Yeah, sorry, bro. I heard about your breakup." Jack mock-punched Brayden's arm. "You're better off in the long run."
I was infuriated that Jack had passed judgment when he didn't even know me. I disliked him more and more.
"I know." Brayden nodded.
Now I was really mad. Brayden had gotten over me awfully quick. And now he was selling out our town to the highest bidder. While he hadn't actually done anything yet, just having this discussion with Jack made him a traitor in my eyes. As far as I knew he hadn't taken bribe money, but how was a job offer any different? Either way he was accepting a reward for turning the other way instead of looking out for the best interests of his constituents, the citize
ns of Westwick Corners.
I jumped as my cell phone rang. Brayden heard it too. He stepped towards the doorway and peered into the hall. His mouth dropped open as his eyes met mine.
Jack noticed me a split-second later. "Speak of the devil."
I held up my index finger. "I gotta get this." I answered the call while I scrambled to think of what to say next.
Grandma Vi's voice crackled through the air. "Where are you?"
"It doesn't matter. Why are you calling me?"
"I'm waiting for you in the lobby. Are we done yet? I want to get back to Westwick Corners." Grandma Vi closed with her most theatrical sigh.
"Ghosts don't use cell phones," I whispered into my phone as I backed away from the door as fast as I could and scurried down the hallway.
"I just called you, didn't I?"
"Where did you get my number?"
"Oh, Cen. You're just ridiculous sometimes. I don't need your number, and I don't need to call you." Grandma Vi's image slowly materialized before me. She hadn't used a phone after all, just her magic. "I had to do something to get your attention, so I pinged your ringer. I'm here to report my findings."
"What findings? You're supposed to be waiting for me downstairs."
CHAPTER 33
"What are you doing here?" Jack's eyes narrowed as he studied me. "And why on earth are you talking to yourself?"
Grandma Vi snickered as she looked down from the ceiling.
Brayden followed Jack into the hall. "She does that all the time."
I ignored Brayden and focused on Jack. "I hope it's not too late. We've decided to sell."
"Cen, that's great." Brayden rushed towards me. "You won't regret this."
"I'm listening," Jack said. "But I've found another property so you might be too late. Or you might have to take less money for it. They are considering our offer right now."
I ignored his bluff. "Mom, Aunt Amber, and Aunt Pearl are ready to sign your documents, under one condition."
"What's that?"
"You have to return to Westwick Corners. Aunt Pearl is kind of restricted in her movements right now and can't leave town. Can you do that?"
"I suppose I could." A smile slowly spread across Jack's face.
"Great.” I checked my watch. “Let’s meet tomorrow morning.” We needed the extra time to ensure Tonya got WICCA justice, prior to any justice served by Sheriff Gates. I walked a few steps towards the staircase and spun around. "Oh, and one more thing."
"What's that?"
"Please bring Tonya."
"Tonya Plant? Why would I bring—"
"I know all about your partnership and the resort plans." I pointed to Brayden. "Brayden told me all about it."
Jack's eyes widened. He turned to Brayden but didn't say anything.
Brayden’s mouth dropped open.
"You didn't think that he would keep secrets from his future wife, did you?"
"I didn’t tell her anything." Brayden turned to Jack. "I don't know what she's talking about. I haven't told a soul."
I shrugged and turned towards the stairs with Grandma Vi a few feet ahead. I descended the steps, feeling nauseous that I had been so gullible. Like a fool I had placed my complete trust in Brayden, oblivious to the fact he had never been loyal to me in the first place. I just hoped Grandma wouldn't make a big deal about being right. I wasn't in the mood for it.
Grandma Vi hovered impatiently by the door. "Hurry up, we haven't got all day."
*****
"What's wrong with you?" I glanced over at Grandma Vi, who was uncharacteristically silent as we cruised down the highway towards Westwick Corners. "You're awfully quiet."
Grandma Vi just shrugged as she hovered above the passenger seat. She hadn't strayed from her position since leaving Shady Creek a half hour ago. It made driving easier but worried me all the same. Something wasn’t right.
I didn't press her, deciding to just enjoy the quiet for a change. It was a bright, sunny day, perfect for a scenic drive. I might as well enjoy it before I had to face Jack and Tonya again.
A sharp banging noise coming from the rear of the car startled me. I didn't know much about cars but I vaguely remembered a loose exhaust pipe on my old car once. This noise didn't have quite the same rattle, but it was all I could think of. Maybe it was a loose exhaust pipe or something. "I'm pulling over. I think something on the car is broken."
"No, no, no!" Grandma Vi waved her arms frantically. "Keep going!"
"I can't. Not when my car is falling apart." I slowed and pulled over to the right lane.
"Cen, listen to me." Grandma Vi floated two inches from my face. Transparent or not, I could barely see in front of me. It was like driving in heavy fog, only it was a bright sunny day outside. "Tonya's in the trunk."
The car lurched as the passenger side left the pavement. It landed with a thud on the soft gravel shoulder.
I raised one hand off the steering wheel to push her away but naturally my hand went right through her. "Get out of my way, Grandma! I can't see a thing."
She scooted back to the passenger seat. "Oops, sorry."
"Why didn't you tell me this earlier?" It was now clear as day that the rattling noise was a knocking sound coming from the trunk.
"I didn't want to scare you, because then you'd just slow down and we'd end up...just like we are now."
"I see." But I didn't see at all. "Tonya's a witch. Can't she use magic to escape the trunk?"
"Not against my magic, but we don't have much time. My ghost witch spells don't last very long at all. I figure we've got another five or ten minutes before the magic wears off. Now get back on the highway and gun it."
"I don't understand. Tonya would have come anyway—"
"Cen, shut your mouth." Grandma shook her head back and forth.
"What?"
Grandma Vi made a zipping motion across her mouth and tapped the side of her head.
Of course. Since Grandma could read minds, I could just think my questions. That way Tonya wouldn't hear them. But wouldn't she hear Grandma's answers? Maybe the spell dealt with that somehow.
Grandma Vi turned up the radio full blast and mouthed her words. "Before Tonya and Jack answer to their crimes in Westwick Corners, Tonya has to face WICCA justice. She's committed supernatural crimes too, and those must be dealt with first."
At least that's what I thought she said. "So you kidnapped her?" Grandma Vi's brand of justice made me a little uneasy, and I couldn't for the life of me figure out how she got Tonya in the trunk. It was physically impossible. Grandma Vi obviously had some tricks up her ghostly sleeve.
"I did nothing of the sort. She had a warrant." She grinned. "And a decent bounty on her head too."
CHAPTER 34
Aunt Pearl was already waiting for us when we pulled up in front of Pearl's Charm School. She had taken a supernatural unauthorized leave of absence from the Westwick County Jail to see justice served. I just hoped the sheriff didn’t check in on her for a few hours. We had WICCA business to take care of.
“Hazel’s gone ahead to set things up at WICCA’s London office," Aunt Pearl said. WICCA justice was swift, but plenty could go wrong until we delivered Tonya to face the tribunal.
Alan ran towards us, tail wagging. “We’re bringing Alan.”
Aunt Pearl shook her head. “Now’s not the time, Cen.”
“Yes, it is exactly the right time.”
"She’s right, Pearl." Grandma Vi motioned to the car trunk where Tonya was kicking and screaming inside. "You've got no time to waste. You two better go."
My eyes widened. The thought of Aunt Pearl and me keeping Tonya in check terrified me. Of course we had Alan, but his abilities were limited in his current form. "You're not coming with us?"
Grandma Vi shook her head. "Now that I'm back home, I don't intend to leave again no matter what. Now hurry."
We removed a cursing Tonya from the trunk and huddled together. Alan’s warning growls kept Tonya in check.
&nbs
p; I followed Aunt Pearl’s teleportation instructions, and less than five minutes later we all rematerialized in front of a steel and concrete high-rise. It was well lit despite the fact that it was obviously well after midnight. The downtown streets were silent and devoid of people. It was spooky, to say the least.
The revolving front door began spinning ever so slowly. I assumed that was an invitation to enter so we did, Aunt Pearl in front, Tonya in the middle, and me bringing up the rear. We entered an elevator that seemed to pop up right in front of us. The door closed and Aunt Pearl pressed the button for the sixty-seventh floor.
We rode in silence, Aunt Pearl's earlier words about Tonya being a lousy witch giving me comfort until I realized my aunt probably said exactly the same thing about me.
The elevator doors opened and we were greeted by two burly security guards. One took Tonya down the hall to a holding room. The second guard ushered us into the main office. I followed behind Aunt Pearl and Alan towards the WICCA council conference room.
Witches International Community Craft Association was a centuries-old global organization, so I had imagined Witch Hazel's London office to be dark paneled wood and brick, housed in a drafty old mansion with massive stone fireplaces.
It was exactly the opposite. Rather than mystical and cozy, the office decor was clean, sterile, and modern, befitting the sixty-seventh floor of London's tallest office building. The furnishings were modern, sparse, and white, with lots of chrome, glass, and high-wattage lighting. Like everything else, WICCA changed with the times.
My romantic, mystical image of WICCA had developed because I knew very little about it. In fact, I had always tried to ignore WICCA and anything to do with my supernatural self, but Aunt Pearl's magic lessons had opened up a whole new world to me, a world I never wanted to really see until now.
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