“Bay, get in here!”
Thistle’s tone told me she wasn’t messing around. I pushed open the door, frowning when I found Thistle sitting on the floor and rubbing her knee. “What happened?”
“I tripped.” Thistle didn’t move her eyes in my direction, instead focusing on something behind the door.
“What did you trip over?”
Thistle pointed, and when I turned my gaze from her face to the corner, my heart hopped.
“Fay,” I said, swallowing hard.
“Is she … dead?” Clove asked, fearful. “I mean … she looks dead. Her eyes are open and she’s staring at nothing.”
“She’s dead,” Thistle said. “There’s a knife sticking out of her chest.”
“I … um … what should we do?” Clove asked. “Should we run?”
The question was so beyond the realm of possibility it snapped me back to reality, and I scorched her with a dark look as I reached for my phone. “We can’t run. We have to call for help.”
“Are you sure about this?” Clove asked. “I think running is a legitimate option.”
I ignored her as I pulled my phone from my pocket. Landon answered after the first ring.
“What’s wrong?”
“Things got out of hand,” I said, briefly wondering how he knew I was in trouble. Then I realized I always ended up in trouble, so he probably expected it.
“How out of hand?”
“You need to get down here right now,” I said. “Someone else is dead … and it’s bad.”
“I’m on my way, sweetie. Hang tight.”
Twenty-One
My second call was to Chief Terry, and he was extremely unhappy when he arrived. Because he lived in town, he beat Landon to the scene.
“This had better be good.”
Thistle, her face paler than normal, wordlessly pointed toward the bathroom door. We had made a hasty exit from the restroom after calling Landon. Because the dance was filled with drunken elderly women, the fact that we refused to let them use the facilities didn’t go over well.
Chief Terry poked his head inside, swearing when he caught sight of Fay. Instead of checking her body, though, he released the door and let it fall shut. “This is … bad.”
“Oh, really?” Thistle deadpanned. “I thought you were going to take one look at Fay and then join everyone on the dance floor.” It’s not an excuse, but when Thistle is upset she lashes out with a snark-shaped whip.
Chief Terry had known us our entire lives, so he was used to it. He reached over and rested his hand on Thistle’s shoulder, a move most people would avoid if they wanted to retain their hand. “Are you okay?”
“I tripped over her,” Thistle admitted, her eyes filling with tears. It was only then I realized how truly upset she was. “I didn’t see her at first and … her shoe was kind of half off … and I stumbled.”
“It’s okay, Thistle,” Chief Terry soothed. “You couldn’t have known.”
Thistle offered him a watery smile. “Thanks.”
“Do you want to tell me how this happened?” Chief Terry asked, shifting his gaze to me. “You’d better tell me the truth – and do it quick – because Landon and his new partner are on their way. He texted me when I pulled into the parking lot.”
I related the events, leaving nothing out – including the truth spell. When I was done, he swore under his breath and shook his head. “You cannot tell Agent Glenn that. He’ll lock all three of you in the loony bin. Although … please go into excruciating detail when you explain the mirror story. I can’t wait to see his face when he hears that.”
“What should we tell him?” Clove asked, worried. “He’s not going to arrest us, is he?”
“For discovering a body in a bathroom?” Chief Terry didn’t look particularly perturbed. “No. That’s not against the law.”
“We’ll just tell him we came to question the people at the senior center because we were curious about what they witnessed the day Aunt Tillie was supposedly here poisoning the coffee,” I said. “He’ll believe that because he thinks we’re working overtime to clear her.”
“Okay,” Chief Terry said, nodding. “Keep it simple. That should work. The guy is an idiot, but there’s no reason that story won’t hold up.”
“At least we’re not telling him Sally did it,” Thistle said, her hands shaking as she smoothed the front of her tank top. “I … is it hot in here?”
“Go outside,” Chief Terry ordered. “My officers are on their way. They’ll question everyone here – and hopefully turn off that infernal racket – and then send everyone home so the coroner can do his thing. You girls need to wait outside for Landon and Agent Glenn.”
“Okay,” I said. “I … she was stabbed.”
“I saw the knife,” Chief Terry said, placing his hand on top of my head. The weight was warm and familiar. He used to do it all the time when trying to center me as a teenager. “It looked quick, Bay. It was in the area of her heart.”
I nodded, exhaling heavily. “We’ll be right in front of the building.”
“Okay,” Chief Terry said. “Wait … you didn’t see anything else in there, did you? There wasn’t a ghost or anything, right?”
I shook my head. “That doesn’t necessarily mean there won’t be one, though. Sometimes they don’t show up right away. I don’t think she’s been dead long.”
“No, the blood looks fresh,” Chief Terry said, shaking his head as the senior center denizens continued dancing and laughing. They didn’t even look in our direction. “Do they not realize what’s going on?”
“We didn’t tell anyone,” I replied. “We didn’t want to incite a panic.”
“Or risk anyone taking off,” Thistle added. “There were too many of them for us to watch.”
“That was probably a good idea,” Chief Terry said. “Go outside. Get some fresh air. This night is nowhere near over.”
My heart sank. I didn’t think this was what Landon had in mind when he said he wanted to spend time together. “What do you think it means?”
“I have absolutely no idea,” Chief Terry answered. “We have to take it one step at a time, Bay. I don’t know what else to tell you.”
IT DIDN’T take Landon and Noah long to arrive, and Landon hit the pavement at a dead run and swooped in for a hug the moment he saw me.
“Are you guys okay?”
I nodded as I returned the embrace, burying my face in his neck. “Thistle tripped over the body.”
Landon brushed a kiss against my forehead, holding the hug until Noah cleared his throat before releasing me. He was all business when he pulled away.
“Tell me exactly what happened,” Landon instructed.
“I believe I should ask the questions,” Noah said primly. “Your conflict of interest is even more pronounced in this situation.”
Landon ran his tongue over his teeth, Noah’s words obviously irking him even as he worked to tamp down his irritation. “Fine. You ask the questions.”
“Okay, ladies,” Noah said, puffing out his chest and pulling out his notebook. “Tell me exactly what happened here.”
“Well, we were standing outside to get some air and then a really annoying douche showed up with Landon to bug us,” Thistle barked, frowning. “Where’s Marcus? I thought he would be with you.”
“He’s on his way,” Landon said. “I wanted to bring him with us, but Agent Glenn didn’t think it was a good idea because we’re not allowed to transport civilians to crime scenes without approval from the higher ups.”
“See … he’s a douche,” Thistle said, sinking to the curb and resting her elbows on her knees. Clove wordlessly sat next to her and rubbed her back.
“What happened?” Landon asked, worry flitting across his features as he studied Thistle.
“I’m asking the questions,” Noah reminded him. “Ms. Winchester … er, any of the Ms. Winchesters … what happened?”
I wanted to smack him. If I thought I could get away wi
th it, or if it wouldn’t cause more problems than we could handle, I totally would’ve done it. “We came to the senior center because we knew they were having a dance and we wanted to question everyone about what they saw the day Mrs. Little claims she saw Aunt Tillie here.”
“We’re trying to prove she’s innocent,” Clove said, pointedly glaring at Noah. “I guess we did, huh?”
“How do you figure that?” Noah asked.
“Because Aunt Tillie wasn’t here tonight,” I answered. “She couldn’t have killed Fay.”
“And who is Fay?” Noah asked, glancing at Chief Terry’s police officers as they hurried past us. “Where was the body found?”
“We didn’t get anywhere with our questions, so we decided to hit the bathroom before we left,” I said. The story was mostly true, so I wasn’t worried about Noah suspecting us of lying. “Thistle went in first and … tripped … over something. It turned out to be Fay’s shoe. She was dead in the corner. She had a knife in her chest.”
“Oh, man,” Landon muttered, turning his compassionate gaze back to Thistle. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” Thistle said. “I just want Marcus … and my bed.”
“It shouldn’t take long,” Landon said, scanning the dark parking lot. “In fact … here comes Marcus now.”
Thistle hopped to her feet and hurried down the sidewalk, throwing herself in Marcus’ arms as he approached. I wasn’t used to her displaying vulnerability. Of course, she didn’t often trip over a dead woman’s shoe in a restroom.
“I’m not done asking questions,” Noah said. “She can’t leave.”
Landon scowled. “Does it look like she’s leaving?”
“How should I know?” Noah said. “She’s very … sneaky. I can tell just by looking at her. It’s one of my super powers.”
“Oh, that’s funny,” I said. “We have super powers, too. That’s how we know you’re a tool.”
Landon shot me a warning look. “Bay … don’t.”
I blew out a frustrated sigh. He was right. I knew it. I didn’t want to deal with Agent Annoying, though. If Landon asked the questions we’d already be done. “We realized Fay was dead right away,” I said. “I called Landon and then Chief Terry. Because he lives in town, Chief Terry got here first. He sent us outside while he handled the seniors and secured the scene.”
“Thank you, Ms. Winchester,” Noah said, writing something down in his little notebook. “Did you find answers to your questions regarding your aunt?”
“We had a chance to talk to only one woman,” I answered. “She didn’t have any helpful information.”
“I see.”
What did he mean by that? “You see what?” I challenged.
“Bay.” Landon shook his head.
“It’s just that this is mighty convenient is all,” Noah said.
“How is this convenient?” Thistle asked, her fingers linked with Marcus’ as she rejoined us. “We found a dead body. That’s pretty much the least convenient thing to happen all day – and frankly, that’s saying something because we’ve had a long day.”
“It’s convenient because everyone in your family – and other random people in the town – have been working overtime to convince me that your aunt is innocent,” Noah supplied.
“Well, she is,” I said. “Aunt Tillie wasn’t here tonight. She didn’t kill Fay.”
“That doesn’t mean she didn’t kill Patty Grimes,” Noah countered. “It simply means she’s clear for this evening. I must say, sneaking out and leaving her with two FBI agents was a stroke of genius.”
“What?”
I wasn’t the only confused one, because the look Landon shot Noah matched mine. “What are you getting at?” he asked.
“When I asked you where your girlfriend and her cousins disappeared to, you said they had female things to do,” Noah replied. “When I pressed you on the issue, you told me they had to pick up female hygiene products in town because their cycles linked up.”
Well, that was the last time I left Landon in charge of thinking up a lie to cover our tracks. I shouldn’t have been surprised by his lack of ingenuity – all men believe talk of tampons will freak out other men enough to make them skirt uncomfortable conversation – but even I was dumbfounded at this one. “Really?”
Landon shrugged. “You said you had female stuff to do. That’s what I thought you were doing.”
It took me a moment to realize he was covering. He didn’t want Noah to know he was aware of our trip to the senior center before it happened. That would put him in an uncomfortable spot. “Female stuff doesn’t always mean tampons,” I said. “In this case it merely meant we wanted to spend time together … you know … bonding and stuff.” That sounded feasible, right?
“And proving Aunt Tillie was innocent,” Clove added, her chocolate eyes weary. “Can we go now?”
“Not yet,” Noah replied. “I want to question everyone inside this facility. I want your locations at the time of death nailed down before you have a chance to go home and make up another story. I would hate to think Sally appeared to do the deed when no one was looking.”
“I don’t like your tone,” Landon said, narrowing his eyes. “What is it you’re accusing them of? You can’t possibly believe they killed Fay.”
“That’s exactly what I believe,” Noah said. “They were here. They’re desperate to clear their aunt. What better way than to make sure she had an airtight alibi while they killed another senior citizen in an attempt to point investigative interest in another direction?”
“You’re out of line,” Landon snapped.
“And I think I’m on the right track,” Noah said. “You clearly disagree, but since I’m in charge … .”
Landon growled, the sound low and unmistakable.
“What was that?” Chief Terry asked, joining the fray. “Did someone just growl?”
Clove helpfully pointed toward Landon. “He did.”
“Why?”
“Because Agent Dumbass thinks we killed Fay to clear Aunt Tillie,” Thistle answered.
Chief Terry’s expression was incredulous as he turned toward Noah. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
Noah squared his shoulders. “I’m deadly serious. It’s the only scenario that makes sense.”
“Really? I have another one for you,” Chief Terry said. “Whoever killed Patty did poison her at the senior center. The culprit clearly has ties to the center. They either liked doing it the first time and wanted to continue or have another motive, but they killed Fay tonight, too. The same person committed both crimes, and I can guarantee it was no one with the last name Winchester.”
“I disagree.”
Noah was stubborn. I had to give him that.
“Well, regardless, until the autopsy is complete and the evidence processed, you don’t have the right to hold them,” Chief Terry said. “Girls, go home. Get some sleep. I’ll be in touch when I have more information.”
“You can’t do that,” Noah protested. “I’m not done questioning them. I want to talk to the seniors at the dance and get a timeline. I have no intention of letting them go.”
“Well, in that case, knock yourself out,” Chief Terry said, inclining his chin toward the line of senior citizens exiting the building. Noah’s eyes widened when he realized how many people were flooding the parking lot. “They’re all right there … and they’re all yours.”
“But … fine.” Noah tugged on his shirt to smooth it. “I will start the questions straightaway.”
“Good luck with that.” Chief Terry was blasé. “Until then, though, you can’t keep these girls here. If you have questions for them tomorrow, you know where to find them.”
“Yes, I do,” Noah said, refusing to back down.
“Well, great,” Chief Terry said, forcing a smile. “I guess we’re in agreement then.”
“Not really, but I recognize your right to clear the scene,” Noah said. “I won’t fight your jurisdiction. It’s against
the rules.”
“Whoopee,” Chief Terry said, his eyebrows flying up his forehead as he shifted his gaze to me. “What are you still doing here? Go home.”
He meant business. He rarely raised his voice to me.
“We’re going,” I said, surprised when Landon grabbed my hand. “Wait … are you coming, too?”
“Yeah,” Landon said, smirking as Noah frowned. “As my partner has pointed out on numerous occasions, I have a conflict of interest. This is his case and he’s in charge of the questioning. I could taint the witness pool, and that’s against the rules. There’s no reason for me to be here.”
I bit my lip as I tried to keep from laughing. “I guess we’re going to get to spend some time together after all, huh?”
“Absolutely,” Landon said. “I think it’s going to involve cookies and ice cream, too. I’ll see you in the morning for your update, Agent Glenn.”
“I’ll be there,” Noah said. “I’ll definitely be there.”
“We’re all looking forward to it,” Clove said, grabbing her boobs for good measure as she strode past him and causing Chief Terry’s cheeks to color when he caught sight of the gesture.
“I’m not,” Thistle said. “Just for the record, Agent Numb Nuts, I still think you’re a douche.”
Twenty-Two
Mom, Marnie and Twila were in the kitchen having tea when we arrived at the inn. Clove wasn’t with us, of course. Her home was someplace else now. She wasn’t even miffed a little when she realized she would miss out on the bashing session following our latest adventure.
Thistle and Marcus headed into the library for a drink first, promising to join us in the kitchen once Thistle’s frazzled nerves settled. I figured they wanted a few minutes alone. I didn’t blame them. Thistle was … rattled. I wasn’t used to seeing her that way.
“What happened?” Mom asked, shifting her weary eyes to me. “What did you do now?”
“I’m happy to see you, too, Mom,” I said, shuffling to the teapot on the stove. “Do you want some tea, Landon?”
Charms & Witchdemeanors (Wicked Witches of the Midwest Book 8) Page 20