Better Than Hex (Spellbound Paranormal Cozy Mystery Book 5)

by Annabel Chase

  “I don't see why she would be,” I said. “Everyone knows she's the star pupil of the class.”

  “Yes, and, despite that, you came from nowhere and easily made the friends that it has taken her years to cultivate,” Professor Holmes said. “Her personality is more abrasive than yours. It takes longer for people to warm up to her.”

  “Well, we have had our differences,” I admitted. Her jealousy had reared its head early on, when she cursed me with a spell that made my boobs the size of watermelons. We'd talked it through at the time and made up. I felt confident that we were in a better place now.

  “When you focused your will,” Lady Weatherby began, “what exactly were you thinking?”

  I closed my eyes, trying to remember my exact thoughts. “I was hoping that she dropped to the floor in the same way she did when you performed the spell. I wanted the effect of the spell to be obvious, so that there was no question of my success.”

  “Mmm,” Lady Weatherby said. “You achieved your goal. There was certainly no question about that.”

  “Am I in trouble?” I asked.

  “Not today,” Lady Weatherby said. “But try to keep your will as specific as possible and remember your strength. Apparently, it isn’t limited to your character.” She gave me a wry smile.

  “That strength might come in handy tomorrow night,” Professor Holmes said cryptically.

  “What’s tomorrow…?” Then I remembered. The engagement party. Spell’s bells—did everyone in town know about my feelings for Daniel? “Will you be there?”

  “We will,” Lady Weatherby said. “We expect to see you on your best behavior.” Translation: no magic to mess up the party.

  “Of course, Lady Weatherby,” I said.

  The problem with being on my best behavior was that it always ended with me holding the losing end of the stick. I sighed inwardly. I had no doubt that tomorrow evening would be no different.

  I was polishing my notes from my meeting with Will when a knock on the office door took me by surprise. I rarely had drop-ins.

  “Althea,” I called. “Do I have a client meeting?” It wouldn't be the first time that I was given short notice.

  She poked her head in the doorway, the snakes bumping and grinding beneath her turban. “No, do you want me to answer it?”

  “I can hear you both,” a muffled voice said. “It's Astrid.”

  “Oh. Well, come in,” I yelled.

  The door opened and the blond Valkyrie appeared. “I guess it was silly to knock.”

  I gestured her forward. “You’re the sheriff now. You can walk in any place you like.”

  She puffed out her chest. “I am the sheriff, aren’t I?”

  “How are you finding it? Harder than you thought?”

  She took a seat. “In some ways, yes. Mostly no. We both know Sheriff Hugo wasn't pulling his weight for years. It feels good to finally just step in and be in charge.”

  I could understand that. “And how’s Britta getting on as deputy?”

  “It’s gotten better. Thanks for stepping in,” she said. “I thought we would bicker more, but we seem to be working well together. For now, anyway.”

  “That's great news,” I said. “What brings you here today?”

  “I understand you met with Will Heath,” she said. “Did he happen to mention where he obtained the nightshade?”

  I tilted my head. “Astrid, you know I can't tell you that. Client confidentiality.”

  Astrid blew out a breath. “I figured, but I'm concerned someone is selling nightshade on the side. We can’t have a black market for poisonous plants in Spellbound.”

  “I will tell you that whatever the answer is, he hasn't given it to me yet. If it's something I think you should know, then I’ll find a way to share the information.” Even if that meant getting my client's permission.

  Her blue eyes fixed on me. “I think it must be Janis Goodfellow, don't you? She's that witch who was determined to grow nightshade in her garden despite the ordinances.”

  I’d met Janis Goodfellow recently, when I was investigating a different case. She certainly didn't strike me as the type of person to seek a profit from poisonous plants.

  “Have you gone to see Janis?” I asked.

  Astrid shook her head. “Not yet. I was hoping you would get something out of Will.”

  “You know what? How about I go and speak to her? I'd like to know if she provided the nightshade to Will since he isn't talking. Let me speak to her as part of my case.”

  Astrid considered it for a moment. “Okay,” she agreed. “I trust your judgment, Emma.”

  “How is the investigation going into Ed's death?” I asked. “I imagine that’s keeping you busy.”

  Astrid rolled her eyes. “You have no idea. There’s no telling when someone tampered with the ladder.”

  “What about Ed's enemies? Have you looked into the reasons anyone would want him dead? The notebooks we found in his house seemed to mention a few disgruntled people.”

  “They’ve been useful. We’re speaking with more owners of buildings that didn’t pass inspection,” Astrid said. She gave me a curious look. “We’ll be speaking to Markos in more depth.”

  My brow lifted. “Why? Because Ed was found in his building?”

  Astrid nodded. “And there were rumors that Ed wasn’t going to pass the building. It required some remediation.”

  “I hardly think that makes the case for murder,” I said. “Especially considering Markos is a pretty well-known architect and an all-around nice minotaur.”

  Astrid shrugged. “You know how this goes. We have to follow up every lead.”

  I understood. I’d be the same, wanting to tug every thread and see what unraveled.

  “Should I be there when you talk to him?” I asked.

  Astrid narrowed her eyes. “Why? Are you thinking he might need a lawyer?”

  “No, but he might need a friend.” And I was certainly that.

  “I don't mind if you’re there. You always seem to have good insight.”

  I smiled. “I love the idea of working with each other instead of against each other.” That certainly wasn't my experience with Sheriff Hugo.

  She wiggled her eyebrows. “That's because there's a new sheriff in town.”

  Astrid was new and she still had to prove herself. “You know what? I think I’ll skip your official talk with Markos. People might think you’re giving him special treatment. I don’t want my presence to undermine your good work.”

  “Suit yourself. Are we on for poker next week?”

  “That’s a great idea,” I said. “I’ll invite your sister too.”

  “She’d like that,” Astrid said. “She's been complaining for weeks about not being included in anything.”

  “I'll have Sedgwick send out the invites tonight,” I said.

  Astrid hesitated before standing. “Speaking of invites, I suppose you received yours.”

  I sighed. “As a matter fact I did. A little over the top.”

  “Yes, but I wouldn't expect anything less from Elsa Knightsbridge. She is nothing if not over the top. How are you feeling?”

  “I'm not feeling,” I said. “At least I'm trying not to feel anything at all. After all, you can't lose what was never yours.”

  Astrid gave me a sympathetic look. “If it's any consolation, I'm still rooting for you.”

  “Thanks, Astrid. You’re a good friend.”

  “Right back at you,” she said, and left the office.

  Chapter 7

  The theme of the engagement party seemed to be ‘Wishes Do Come True.’ The Cinderella-style carriage that delivered the invitations sat on display in front of the mansion, driving the point home. Inside the grand foyer was a fountain filled with pink, sparkling hearts. I walked over to investigate.

  “They look liquid,” I said, reaching down to swirl around the hearts.

  Beside me, Markos smiled. “You know Mayor Knightsbridge. She spares no expense.”
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  “As long as it's not taxpayer money she’s spending, I have no problem with it.” Okay, in truth I had a huge problem with it, but it had nothing to do with how she spent her money. It was the fact that she was celebrating her daughter's engagement to the fallen angel whom she loathed. Although I didn't know what Mayor Knightsbridge had planned, I knew this entire affair was a ruse. She had no intention of allowing her precious daughter to marry Daniel. Not after he’d humiliated the family the first time around.

  A fairy footman ushered us into the ballroom where the fairytale theme continued. It reminded me of the ‘Be Our Guest’ scene in Beauty and the Beast. The entire room appeared to be enchanted. There were spinning plates and dancing cutlery. Guests clapped as food appeared on their plates. Everyone in town seemed to be in attendance. I spotted Lady Weatherby and Professor Holmes chatting at a table. Instead of centerpieces, each table had a mini butterfly tempest. They created enough color and movement to be beautiful without being too distracting. I wondered what type of spell kept the butterflies from breaking formation.

  “I see the happy couple on the dance floor,” Markos said.

  I almost didn't want to look. The last time I’d seen Daniel on the dance floor, I had been the one in his arms. It was where we’d exchanged our first and only kiss. Even though our flirtation had been an act that evening (on his end, at least), the kiss had felt deliciously real. So real, in fact, that I was sure that I’d seen a reaction in his turquoise eyes.

  “They make a handsome couple, don't they?” Marisol Minor stood beside me in her human form.

  “No one can argue with that,” Markos said.

  Marisol eyed us appreciatively. “You two make rather a nice couple as well,” she said.

  “That's very kind of you to say,” I said. “But we're not a couple.”

  “Maybe not today, but there's always tomorrow. Take it from me. You don't want to waste your youth.” She ambled off into the crowd, clutching an empty glass of wine.

  A server came by with a tray of flutes. “Bucksberry fizz?”

  “It looks like champagne,” I said.

  Markos plucked two flutes from the tray and handed one to me. “Similar, but a hint more sweetness.”

  I took a sip, allowing the bubbles to tickle my nose. “It's very good.” I wasn't a huge fan of champagne, but Bucksberry fizz had just the right amount of sweet and tart.

  “Good to see you, Markos,” a familiar voice said. I turned to see the centaur formerly known as Sheriff Hugo. To be honest, I was surprised to see him in attendance. He and Mayor Knightsbridge had been close friends until her recent decision to remove him from his law enforcement position. She’d been counting on him to find the resident responsible for casting the youth spell on the town council, but, as usual, he’d been more interested in improving his golf handicap. Now he had all the time in the world to play.

  Markos clapped the centaur on the back. “How are you holding up, Hugo? Keeping yourself busy?”

  “I've improved my golf game, so that's a plus,” he said.

  I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.

  Hugo shot me a look of annoyance out of the corner of his eye before fixing his attention on Markos. “I heard you had a bit of trouble at your new office.”

  “Poor Ed,” Markos said. “I hope Sheriff Astrid is able to get to the bottom of it quickly. I don't want my employees to think there’s a murderer running around the office. It’s bad for morale.”

  “Well, let me know if you need a private consultant on the case,” Hugo said. “I'm happy to offer my expertise if you find the current sheriff lacking.”

  I stifled an objection. Astrid was doing a fine job. In fact, Astrid had been doing his job long before she was given the title. Sheriff Hugo was nothing more than a lazy, good-for-nothing layabout.

  “Thanks, Hugo. I'll keep that in mind.” Markos turned toward me. “Is it too early to dance? Do you need another drink first?”

  I laughed. “Liquid courage?”

  “You look a bit nervous,” he said. “I thought maybe a dance would help you loosen up.”

  I glanced at the dance floor where Daniel and Elsa were still entwined in each other's arms. Somehow, I didn't think a turn on the dance floor was going to help my nerves.

  “Maybe later,” I said. “There are so many people here. I feel like we should mingle more.”

  “As you wish.” He offered me his arm and together we moved around the ballroom, stopping to chat with guests we knew. His behavior reminded me of his party, the one he didn't know I’d attended. I’d been turned invisible by a wizard and had decided to check out the party anyway. I’d watched Markos greet his guests and he’d impressed me with his ability to work a room. It wasn't in a seedy political way either. His intentions were genuine. He seemed to enjoy talking to the guests. No wonder he was so popular. It was a far cry from Daniel, who seemed to inspire lust and derision in equal measure.

  “Miss Hart. You are a vision this evening.”

  “Lord Gilder.” I greeted the head of the vampire coven. “It's nice to see you.”

  Lord Gilder nodded at Markos. “You’ve chosen wisely this evening, Markos. Not that I would expect anything less from you.”

  Markos chuckled. “I was happy she chose to say yes.”

  Lord Gilder’s thin lips formed a smile. “Yes, she is proving herself rather resourceful.” He focused on me. “And how is our mutual friend?”

  I knew he was referring to Gareth. Word had gotten around about my vampire ghost roommate.

  “He’s doing better every day,” I said. “He was hoping to make an appearance here tonight, but his skills aren't quite there yet.”

  “Well, I do hope you will let me know when they are,” Lord Gilder said. “Or invite me to the next séance. I would very much like to say hello to my old friend.”

  “Absolutely. Gareth would love that.” It was true. Gareth had a lot of respect for his former leader. He still spoke very highly of Lord Gilder.

  “Oh, look,” I said, pointing to the bar where Dr. Hall was watching us like a hungry hawk. “There’s my therapist.” I waved and she immediately turned away and snapped her fingers for another drink.

  Lord Gilder glanced over his shoulder. “Ah, Catherine. How nice for you. She’s a real treat. A bit unorthodox, as I understand it.”

  “You could say that,” I agreed.

  “There you are. I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” Lucy drifted toward me, her pink wings flapping wildly. “I love this dress. You look divine.”

  I admired her flapper-style dress with its intricate beadwork. “Same to you. Did you end up bringing a date?” Lucy had debated for days whether to attend alone because she figured that the mayor would end up putting her to work at some point during the evening.

  “I decided against it,” she said. “Duty calls and all that.”

  As if on cue, Mayor Knightsbridge appeared beside Lucy. “Darling, I thought I asked you to refill the chocolate river. The current has slowed considerably.”

  “Yes, Mayor Knightsbridge. I asked the caterers to take care of it only a minute ago.”

  Mayor Knightsbridge shifted her focus to me. “Emma, thank you so much for coming.” She looked at Markos. “And with one of the most delectable bachelors in town. Well done, you.” It was no surprise that her smile failed to reach her eyes. Mayor Knightsbridge was counting on me to help break up the union between Elsa and Daniel. She knew very well what my real feelings for him were and she was intent on using them to her advantage. I was sure the sight of me with Markos made her anxious.

  “Well done to me,” Markos said, placing an arm along my shoulders. “I feel quite fortunate to have made a friend like Emma.”

  “Too right, Markos,” Mayor Knightsbridge said. “It's lovely to see you both here. Emma, have you managed to say hello to the guests of honor yet?”

  My gaze automatically drifted to the celebrated couple, still on the dance floor. “Not yet. We’re slowly m
aking our way there.”

  “Don’t wait too long,” the mayor said. “Time to mingle. I’ll see you all later.” She fluttered into the crowd, blowing kisses like she was the queen.

  “They'll be leaving the dance floor shortly,” Lucy said. “The next phase of entertainment will be starting.”

  The next phase of entertainment? I wondered what that could be. I didn’t have a chance to ask because Daniel appeared behind Lucy, surprising us.

  “Emma, you're here,” Daniel said. “I thought you didn’t RSVP.” He looked so happy to see me that my heart squeezed.

  “I’m here,” I said. And was regretting every second of it now. “Daniel, you know my date, Markos.”

  Daniel glanced at Markos and I was almost certain I saw him flinch. “Of course. Thank you for coming. Elsa and I are so pleased with the turnout.”

  “She's a beautiful fairy,” Markos said. “I hope you two will be very happy together.”

  It didn't escape my notice that everyone who mentioned Elsa's good qualities only seemed to focus on her beauty. No one ever remarked on her kindness or her dazzling personality. It spoke volumes. Once again, I found myself wondering what on earth had sparked Daniel’s change of heart.

  Before I could say another word, Elsa joined her fiancé. She draped herself on his arm like she was a third appendage. It took all of my will not to bust out my wand and turn her into a toad. Lady Weatherby’s warning rang in my head. She seemed to know me better than I knew myself.

  “Emma Hart. Daniel's little friend. Am I to understand that you’re here with our beloved Markos?” She gave us both a dazzling smile. “Daniel, honey, did you know that Emma and Markos were an item?”

  “Not an item,” Markos said. “Just here as friends.”

  “Still, they make a very attractive couple, don't they?” Elsa looked expectantly at her betrothed and I wanted to vomit.

  Daniel forced a smile. “Emma looks lovely, as always. Like Markos said, though, they’re not a couple. Emma would have told me.”

  The way you told me about your engagement to Elsa? I wanted to shout. I hated that I had to hear the news from someone else. Daniel was supposed to be my best friend, but he only came to me after half the town knew about it. I didn't want to cause a scene over it now, though. Water under the bridge.