Spell Disaster
Leighann Dobbs
Traci Douglass
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Also by Leighann Dobbs
About the Author
1
“What do you think?” Issy Quinn asked Brimstone, a large, pudgy-faced gray cat with hellfire orange eyes and an attitude to match. “Life is idyllic with Enchanted Pets.”
“I think you best get a shovel, because it’s piling up pretty high in here,” the cat said, jumping up onto the top shelf against the wall and settling in for a nice long nap. “You can do better.”
“Not helpful.” Issy sighed. She’d been working on a new catchphrase for her magical pet store all morning and wasn’t making much headway. Of course, the fact that she’d just received a new shipment of guests this morning didn’t help matters. At least her new batch of familiars seemed to be adjusting well to life in the small New Hampshire town of Silver Hollow. Some of them would start assisting their owners soon, and some—like Gordon—would get a very special home. She glanced over into his tropically bedecked vivarium and saw the cute little bearded dragon perched between two palm fronds. One of his front feet was raised in her direction, as if he were waving.
Issy waved back and grinned. Wouldn’t do to offend the special little lizard. Her instincts told her Gordon would belong to someone very important. Maybe a high-level witch or warlock. Who exactly, she wasn’t sure yet. But the right familiar always found their person.
Smiling, she turned back to Brimstone. “So, give me some suggestions, please.”
“How about you relax and close early today?” The feline stretched lazily then squinted at her, his eyes mere slits. “You should enjoy the blissful quiet after all the disruption of the murder and that hateful dark pagan, Christian. I, for one, am completely taxed and need to catch up on my nap time.”
“Well, I can’t close early.” Issy tossed aside her notebook and pen then stared out the store’s front windows and down the street into the nearly deserted town green. “Some of us have a business to run.”
“Business looks flat to me.” Brimstone yawned then flopped onto his side, down for the count.
Issy shook her head and sighed. Oh, to be a cat. Then she glanced at the green once more. Over the past month, the Silver Hollow Visitors’ Board had placed several new wrought-iron benches around the perimeter of the green and spiffed up the landscaping, all in hopes of bringing in more tourists and their money to the area.
On one of those benches sat her latest problem, Luigi Romano. He’d been sent by the committee—a universal entity that presided over witchcraft and other magic—to keep tabs on the local paranormal population after the whole Louella Drummond debacle. The man seemed nice enough, but Issy still couldn’t wait for him to leave. Weird how he always wore that black duster coat, even in the dead heat of summer. And that beard, all bushy and brown to match his wild long hair and the gazillion earrings glinting from his ears. If she didn’t know better, she’d say he looked as though he belonged more on the set of some sci-fi western movie than in their small, quiet New England village.
She turned back to the counter and cursed under her breath. “Oh, newt shizzle.”
Brimstone peeked open one eye. “Problem?”
“Yes. As a matter of fact. I need to do something to drum up business, but I can’t think up a decent catchphrase for the store with that spy sitting out there watching every move I make. It’s enough to make a witch go batty.”
Near her feet, Issy’s adorable Pomeranian familiar—Bella—yipped, as if in agreement. Issy focused on the pup, a feeling of warmth spreading in her chest. She’d been without a familiar for a long time and had wondered if she’d ever find one to bond with. One look at Bella with her thick orange fur and soulful brown eyes, and she’d been smitten. Now, if only she could start to communicate with her… well, no sense in rushing things. Creating the witch-familiar bond took time.
She stared at the dog, looking for some sort of telepathic communication. For a second, she thought she sensed something. A slight vibration, and the thought “tall, dark, and handsome” appeared in her head. A feeling of satisfaction flared, then worry. She sure hoped Bella wasn’t communicating about Luigi. Tall and dark. Yes. Handsome? Nope.
“Well, given the complete lack of any excitement around town these days, I’m sure Luigi will be gone soon.” Brimstone yawned then rolled over to face away from Issy. “Stop worrying so much. It only makes for bad energy.”
Resigned, Issy picked up Bella and walked over to the windows. Maybe Bella’s assessment of Luigi was a little off, but she was still in training. Bella’s skills were strengthening more each day. She didn’t doubt for a second that the tiny puffball was trying to tell her something. “That’s my beautiful girl,” she crooned, kissing the dog’s head repeatedly. “Who’s a good familiar, huh? Who’s the best little familiar ever?”
“Hello?” Brimstone languidly raised his paw. “That would be me.”
“You’re too independent to be considered a mere familiar, and besides, you have ages of experience,” Issy said. “Bella’s just now coming into her own.”
“I’ll alert the press.” Brimstone’s tone sounded completely unimpressed. Then again, given the cat’s age and intelligence, it wasn’t surprising. He really was the best familiar Issy had ever encountered, even if he did have an independent streak that made it seem more as though he were the boss and she were here to do his bidding. Either way, she wouldn’t tell Brimstone that anytime soon. His ego barely fit through the door as it was.
Through the windows, she spotted the jack-in-the-pulpits her cousin and local magical landscaper extraordinaire, Raine, had planted a few weeks back. The plants were in full bloom now, their hooded flowers reminding her of the specks of green in Dex’s hazel eyes. Her heart pinched, and she squeezed her eyes shut at the memories.
Dex Nolan was an investigator for the Federal Bureau of Paranormal Investigations, otherwise known as the FBPI. The FBPI was a secret government entity—a branch of the FBI—chartered to investigate paranormals. And not in a good way. In a dissecting, torturing, and brain-picking way. Rumor had it that they had a laboratory in the Mojave Desert called Area 59, where they performed all kinds of unthinkable experiments trying to figure out what made paranormals tick. For decades, Silver Hollow had escaped their scrutiny, but a certain incident a few months back with a dark witch had brought the town in general, and Issy in particular, into their crosshairs.
Dex Nolan hadn’t seemed like the kind of guy who wished harm on paranormals. He and Issy had gotten to know each other a bit during the Drummond murder case. Yes, she’d kissed him in the woods, and sure, it had been pretty fantastic, but he was gone now, back to FBPI headquarters, and wouldn’t be returning. At least she hoped not, anyway. No matter how attractive sh
e found him, the last thing she needed was him nosing around again.
Having hulking Luigi shadowing her every move was bad enough.
Located on the opposite side of the street from Enchanted Pets was Sheer Magic, the beauty salon owned by her other cousin, Gray. He had a knack for making all the local ladies lovely. Women left his shop with haircuts that complemented the shape of their face perfectly. And their hair color was phenomenal. It was said that one of his cuts could make you look ten years younger. His shop was constantly busy, and today appeared to be no exception, with patrons filling the chairs inside and all of his cutting stations full.
“They’re assigning someone you know. The FBPI.” Brimstone said, his sleepy voice a rough purr. “To live in Silver Hollow.”
Issy didn’t need to ask why he had suddenly blurted that out. She knew better than to leave her thoughts unguarded around the powerful feline, but today she was distracted, and he’d sensed her thoughts about Dex. “Raine said something about how the FBPI sent agents to infiltrate paranormal communities, but…”
Her words trailed off as she spied Enid Pettywood leaving Sheer Magic. The older lady tottered outside with the help of her cane, still wearing a set of high-heeled pumps that would’ve given Issy second thoughts. Most women she knew of a certain age gave up the glam shoes in favor of something more comfortable. But not Enid. She had to love the older lady for that, along with so many other things too.
Enid walked to the curb and gazed around, looking as cute as a button in her new curly style, courtesy of Gray. Beside her, on a purple leash, was her potbellied pig familiar, Becky.
A few moments later, Enid’s granddaughter, Nikki, joined the elderly woman on the sidewalk. From the way Nikki looked put together for once, Issy guessed she’d gotten a fresh haircut too. The younger woman’s steps faltered as well, but not from old age.
Word around Silver Hollow said Nikki liked to drink. A lot. Still, the girl made time to have tea with Enid every afternoon, and that counted for something in Issy’s book, even if the drinking made Nikki a bit unstable. Not an ideal situation, but poor Enid didn’t have any other family around to help. The Quinn cousins also tried to keep an eye on the older witch when they could, but making sure Enid stayed out of trouble sometimes seemed like a full-time occupation. The elderly woman’s spells had a way of going askew…
Issy watched as the two women said their good-byes then parted ways. Enid started across the street toward the green while Nikki walked a few doors down to enter O’Hara’s Pub. Enid moved at a pretty good clip too, despite the cane and her age. In fact, Issy would describe the pep in her step as downright spry today.
Raine and Issy’s other cousin, Ember—a magical chocolatier—reported seeing Enid pretty regularly these days at the town’s newest hot spot, The Main Squeeze. Catering to the world’s recent health kick, the place was an all-natural juice bar, claiming to “heal what ails you.”
Issy snorted. Now that was a good catchphrase. Maybe she should hire Karen Dixon, the juice bar owner, to help her with her store’s tagline.
“Time to get back to work.” Turning away from the windows, Issy kissed Bella’s head once more before putting her down then headed back over to brainstorm again on her slogan. She’d just started getting into a creative groove when Bella’s sharp yip snagged her attention.
“What is it, girl?” Issy moved toward the windows once more and crouched next to her tiny Pom, who was staring outside. “What’s going on?”
Bella raised a front paw and pointed outside. Issy gasped as she spotted Enid in the alleyway between the hair salon and the neighboring building, lurching precariously, one of her high heels apparently stuck in a crack.
Without a second thought, Issy rushed out of Enchanted Pets and sprinted across the green toward Enid. The elderly witch could fall and break a hip or worse. It would only take one car, one unobservant driver, to hit the poor old lady and take her out.
As she reached the other side of the block, Issy glanced into Sheer Magic and caught Gray’s eye. If Enid was really wedged in tight, she’d need some extra muscle to help her out. Her cousin rushed out of his salon and met her at the curb. Together, they jogged over to where Enid floundered, her arms pinwheeling. Becky stood to her side, making little pig snorts of distress.
“Oh dear,” Enid said as they arrived. “I’ll just cast a release spell here and—”
“No, no. Wait!” Issy tried to calm the older woman before she did something drastic. The last spell Enid had attempted had gone horribly awry, resulting in one of Issy’s frogs being transformed into a flowering quince. Enid had been going for a Prince Charming, but her pronunciation had gotten bungled and…
“A little help here,” Gray said, trying to get ahold of Enid’s magic cane. She used it like a wand to cast her wonky spells. “Enid, honey. Just give me the cane.”
“Oh, my cane!” Enid said. “Thank you for reminding me, Graeme.”
Only Enid called Gray by his full name.
Before Issy or Gray could take the thing away, Enid brandished it before her and muttered an incantation:
“Bealzabob bealzebeman.
Release my heel, and let me free, man.”
A large poof sounded, and the air filled with gray smoke and the smell of sulphur. Lost in the fog, Issy squinted over at Gray in time to see a giant black hole open up near Enid—gaping and bottomless. Both Quinn cousins reached for Enid to save her, but another poof sounded, this time accompanied by a whoosh of hot air. The black hole vanished, leaving Enid free and stumbling to the side.
“What the heck was that?” Gray asked, coughing.
“No idea.” Issy clutched the obsidian talisman in her pocket tighter. It was supposed to ward off any evil, and after what they’d just witnessed, it seemed they could use all the help they could get right about now. She gently took Enid’s arm with her free hand and guided the older woman safely back up onto the sidewalk. “Are you all right, Enid?”
“Why yes, dear. I’m fine. How are you?”
Issy opened her mouth to answer then snapped it shut as Luigi rounded the corner, a pizza box in his hand. He stopped near Gray’s side and looked the buff hairdresser up and down. “What’s going on here?”
“Nothing,” Gray said, his gaze darting to Issy. “What’s happening with you?”
Luigi sniffed the air, his nose wrinkled. “What’s that smell? Sulphur? Are you performing illegal acts of magic here?”
“No, no.” Issy moved closer to Enid’s side and pointed at the small potbellied pig with a fake laugh. “That was Becky. She had gas. Boy, those pigs smell awful, don’t they?” She elbowed Enid in the side. “Don’t they, Enid?”
“Ow, dear. You really shouldn’t—”
At Issy’s pointed stare, the older woman’s eyes widened, and she nodded slowly, comprehension dawning in her gaze.
“Oh, right, right, dear.” Enid smiled. “Yes, these pigs smell terrible sometimes. Why, I remember a time when I fed little Becky here too much rhubarb, and oh, man. I almost had to purchase a gas mask. And don’t even get me started on the fruits and leafy greens, really. One time—”
“That’s great, Enid.” Gray put his muscled arm around her shoulders. “I’m sure Luigi here gets the idea.”
“Yeah,” Luigi said, his expression skeptical. “I get the picture, all right.”
Enid eyed the pizza box in the man’s hand. “Did you know I have a famous secret pizza sauce recipe, Mr. Romano? I didn’t realize I’d be running into you today, but I promise to get back to you with it, if you’d like. Now come along, Becky.” She tottered off once more, her tiny pig in tow.
“Secret recipe, huh?” Luigi said. All three of them watched the elderly lady go. “I might take her up on that.”
Issy grasped the opportunity with both hands. “Do you like to cook, Luigi?”
“Sometimes.” He eyed her suspiciously. “Might even open my own restaurant around here. Show you all what the best pizza in the area
tastes like.”
“Best pizza?” Gray took Issy’s hand and tugged her toward the front door of Sheer Magic. “That sounds amazing. Must get back to work now. See you later!”
Gray waved then pulled Issy inside his shop and through the crowded waiting room to the empty supply area in the back of the store. “What happened out there?”
“I don’t know.” Issy frowned. “Enid’s spells rarely work correctly, and that whole sulphur cloud and black hole…” She shuddered. “I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”
“Yeah, me too. I know she meant to say ‘free, man,’ but what if it came out as something else? You know how her spells often screw up in rhyme. What if she summoned a demon?”
“We better hope that’s not what happened. If so, we’ll never get rid of Luigi.” Pulse thudding loud in her ears, Issy exhaled. “It’s bad enough he scrutinizes every act of magic to make sure it’s on the up and up. If he thinks there’s demon activity involved too, he’ll be on the warpath to find the culprit.”
“Not to mention poor old Enid would never survive the punishment.”
“We can’t just let this go. We need to find out for sure if there is a demon and what it’s up to. We’ll need to convene our cousin coven. Tonight work for you?”
“I’ll be there after I close the shop at seven,” Gray said. “Your place?”
“Yep.” Issy waved and headed back to Enchanted Pets.
2
Issy had a small cottage on the shore of Solstice Lake. It wasn’t big, and it wasn’t fancy, but it had its own stretch of beach, and the view of the mountains behind the lake framed by tall Scotch pines was priceless.
The cousins often convened here around Issy’s stone fire pit when they had important things to discuss. And tonight they had something very important to discuss.
It was summer, and the sun was still up at 7:00 p.m., though it was low in the sky, painting the undersides of the fluffy white clouds a pale pink that was reflected in the sky-blue waters. At this time of night, the lake surface was as calm as a mirror. The low chirping of crickets and the scent of pine trees mixed with campfire created a serene atmosphere. But that outward serenity was a stark contrast to the nervousness that thrummed inside Issy as she waited for her cousins to arrive.
Spell Disaster (Silver Hollow Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series Book 2) Page 1