Magic & Malice

by Annabel Chase

Artemis laughed gently. “I can pinpoint the men, but your next question…That’s the tricky part. Only you can decide which is which.”

  “So what’s next?” I asked.

  “When she’s ready,” Artemis said. She glanced at my aunt. “And I’m not sure that she is, but when the time comes, she can find the first prospective match at Balefire Beach.”

  My aunt burst into laughter. “The beach? Surely, you’re joking.”

  “The cards don’t lie, Hyacinth,” Artemis said.

  “I love the beach,” Marley said. “I’ll go with you anytime.”

  Aunt Hyacinth exhaled. “Fine. What happens? I show up and scan the sand for my prince?”

  “You be you, Hyacinth Rose-Muldoon,” Artemis said. She swept up the cards and reshuffled the deck. “And the rest will fall into place.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  It didn’t take long for Marley to convince my aunt to accompany us to Balefire Beach. Marley was desperate to use her bodyboard from the Wish Market for the hundredth time and I wanted to keep her mind off the magic that still wasn’t manifesting.

  We barely settled into our beach chairs when Marley took off with her board, kicking up sand in Aunt Hyacinth’s direction. You would’ve thought my aunt had just been molested by a swarm of locusts the way she whipped out her wand and eviscerated the tiny grains of sand.

  “You’re dangerous at the beach,” I said. I reached for Alec’s book that Marley had tossed into the beach bag. I figured I’d start reading it while she was otherwise engaged. As long as I was careful not to knock her bookmark out of place, I considered myself safe.

  “I’m dangerous everywhere, darling,” my aunt replied. She tucked her wand into the pouch of her beach bag and adjusted her sunhat. I’d assumed her elegant style would seem out of place on the beach, but my aunt managed to have a chic beachwear look that made me rethink my own tankini and white mesh cover-up. Even her hair was carefully styled under the wide-brimmed hat.

  Is this sun lounger taken? My familiar climbed onto Marley’s empty chair and made himself at home.

  “Raoul, what are you doing here?”

  What? Raccoons can’t like the beach? I love it here. One of my favorite places to contemplate the state of the universe.

  As I rolled my eyes, I noticed that my aunt was doing the same. Of course, she was responding to his mere presence rather than what he’d said.

  “We’re scouting for my aunt’s new boyfriend,” I said.

  My aunt silenced me with a look. “We’re not sharing this information, Ember.”

  “He can read my mind,” I said. “It’s not something I’d expend the energy to shield from him.”

  No, you save that for your nightly Kegel exercises and your fantasies about….

  I glared at him. “That’s enough out of you, dumpster diva.”

  Aunt Hyacinth adjusted her seaside kaftan covered in images of starfish. “Where is this prospective match? I’m uncomfortably hot already.”

  Tell her that’s menopause, not the sun, Raoul said.

  I’ll let you do the honors, I said. I happen to value my life. I read a few pages of the book, occasionally glancing up to watch Marley ride the waves and make sure she didn’t get sucked out to sea by the current or some mischievous mermaid.

  “Ember, how lovely to see you.” I glanced up to see Avonne, looking ridiculously beautiful in a one-piece golden swimsuit and oversized sunglasses.

  “Hi, Avonne,” I said. “This is my aunt, Hyacinth, and my familiar, Raoul.”

  Va-va-voom, Raoul said. One of the many times I was grateful to be the only one who could hear him.

  “Hyacinth, such an honor to meet you in person,” Avonne said. “I serve with your daughter, Aster, on a few boards.”

  “Yes, she’s mentioned you,” my aunt said. “Are you here with your family?” My aunt scanned the beach.

  “Yes, they’re right over there setting up.” Avonne pointed to where Stone was spreading out a blanket while two children pulled toys from a bucket.

  “What a gorgeous family,” my aunt said. She gave me a knowing look. “See, Ember. That’s what you should aspire to.”

  Inwardly, I groaned. “I have a family. In fact, I’m here with them right now.”

  Damn straight, Raoul said, folding his paws in his lap.

  “The kids are ecstatic that their father is finally joining us,” Avonne said. “He’s been so busy lately that we’ve barely seen him for meals, let alone family time.”

  I watched as Stone lifted one of the children onto his shoulders. The child squealed with delight.

  “Sounds familiar,” my aunt murmured, and I knew she was reminded of Aster and Sterling. Of course, she had no idea about Sterling’s indiscretion and I had no intention of telling anyone. Sterling had put the whole incident to rest and was determined to be the best husband and father he could be.

  “He’s been making more of an effort since Grandmother died,” Avonne said, smiling over her shoulder. “He knows what a shock it was.”

  “I was so sorry to hear about her passing,” Aunt Hyacinth said.

  “Thank you. I was disappointed to hear the sheriff say that the investigation has stalled a bit,” Avonne said. “I hate feeling like things are out of joint.”

  “I totally feel you,” I said. I caught sight of Marley as she managed to stay atop the board despite a massive wave. I breathed a sigh of relief. “I’m sure there’ll be a break soon. There always is.”

  Stone walked over, each hand dragging a child behind him. Their half-hearted protests were full of giggles. “I found these two raiding our treasure box, Avonne. What do we do with them? Have them walk the plank?”

  Hose ‘em down first before they smell, Raoul said.

  Not your kind of treasure, I replied.

  “Dunk them in the water and see if they’ll reveal their evil plans,” Avonne said.

  The children screeched.

  “Marley wouldn’t mind a couple of playmates out there,” I said.

  “Marley?” Stone repeated. He shot a quick look at the water where Marley had just glided back onto shore. “She looks familiar. Does she have an after-school job at one of the shops in town?”

  “If coming straight home and doing all her homework without being asked qualifies as an after-school job, then yes,” I replied.

  Stone grinned at his wife. “Speaking of jobs, I may need a sexy dunking assistant. Any applicants?”

  Avonne flipped her sunglasses to the top of her head. “Consider the position filled.”

  “Have fun,” I called.

  Some guys have all the luck, Raoul grumbled.

  “We’re here for Aunt Hyacinth, not for you,” I said.

  A shadow dropped over us. “You are the last trio I would expect to find hanging out here.”

  I shaded my eyes and dared to look up into the cheeky grin of Wyatt Nash. “How’s it going, Wyatt?”

  “I thought I felt a cold wind blow in,” my aunt said.

  “That’s just your breath,” Wyatt shot back.

  “Not here with your children, I take it,” my aunt said. “I’m sure that would cramp your style.”

  “Actually, I’m here with Linnea and the kids,” Wyatt said. “We decided to spend a little family time together.”

  “Let me guess,” my aunt said. “Linnea arranged the excursion and you tagged along.”

  “That’s about the size of it,” Linnea said, appearing beside him. “Mother, I have to admit that I’m more than a little surprised to see you here.”

  “She’s searching for suitors,” I said. Aunt Hyacinth gave me a look that would have reduced a lesser witch to tears, but I held firm.

  “What a coincidence,” Wyatt said. “I’m keeping my eye open for that sweet thing from Rainbow’s End. Newly single nymphs are like umbrellas on a cloudy day—they’re always a good bet.”

  It took my brain a minute to process. “Are you talking about Holly?”

  “Your boss’s gi
rlfriend,” Wyatt said. “I guess ex-girlfriend. Don’t know her name.” He didn’t seem interested in learning it either. Typical Wyatt.

  “Are you sure they’ve broken up?” I asked. “I know there’ve been a few incidents, but I don’t think it’s clear.”

  “You seem rather convinced that they’re still together, despite everyone’s evidence to the contrary,” my aunt said.

  “It’s pretty clear,” Wyatt replied. “My buddy overheard them in the Wish Market. She was shrieking at him like a banshee on steroids. They are one hundred percent finito.”

  “I thought it was an argument and that they’d work it out,” I said.

  “Apparently not,” Wyatt said with a shrug. “Not every relationship is worth saving.” He winked at Linnea. “Present company excepted, of course.”

  Linnea glared at him. “If we were worth saving, we’d still be together.”

  “Come on, honey. Admit it. You miss me.” Wyatt puckered his lips.

  Linnea pushed a hand against his mouth. “Only when I need something fixed at Palmetto House and my magic isn’t getting the job done.”

  “Oh, I always get the job done,” Wyatt said. “You must remember that much about me.”

  Linnea grew flustered. “Take your bravado elsewhere, please.”

  “I’m trying,” Wyatt said. “But she’s not here.”

  Linnea sighed in exasperation. “Join your offspring in the water while I chat with my family. Playtime is what you’re good at, after all.”

  I was pleased that Bryn and Hudson were here to hang out with Marley in the water. She’d want to stay until sunset even if she were alone. Better to have company.

  “So are you really here to check out the men?” Linnea asked, pulling up a chair.

  Aunt Hyacinth harrumphed. “I am here under the advice of a matchmaker, but I must say that I’m beginning to doubt her abilities. This all feels like a waste of time.”

  “Quality time with your family is never a waste of time,” I said. “It’s gone in the blink of an eye.”

  My aunt lowered her gaze. “I suppose that’s true. My husband and I were very good about quality time.”

  “You were,” Linnea said. She patted her mother’s hand. “And now your children have children of their own and busy lives. It’s time for you to devote attention to someone else. Someone who cares for you and makes you laugh.”

  It was difficult to picture Aunt Hyacinth carefree and laughing. The image did not compute.

  “I’ve been so busy trying to arrange matches for you and Florian that I’ve neglected myself,” my aunt admitted. “And since I’ve failed spectacularly anyway, maybe it’s best that I redirect my efforts.”

  “I think that’s a fine idea,” Linnea said. “I’m glad you went to see a matchmaker.”

  “Grandmother, come in the water,” Bryn called, waving wildly from the surf.

  My aunt’s brow lifted. “In the water? Has she gone feral?”

  “Mother,” Linnea said. “Your teen granddaughter still likes you enough to want to be seen with you at the beach. Do you know what a rare gift that is?”

  “I’ll go as far as the water’s edge,” she said. “No further.”

  “That’s right,” I said. “Live on the edge, Aunt Hyacinth.”

  She slid off her sandals first. Then she stood and smoothed the front of her kaftan before sauntering down to see her grandchildren.

  “This is unbelievable,” Linnea said. “Has someone put a potion in her cocktail?”

  “I think she wants to turn over a new leaf,” I said. “Hattie’s death has been a wake up call for her, I think.”

  “Good,” Linnea said. “Whatever it takes.” She noticed the book on my lap. “Alec’s latest book?”

  My cheeks reddened. “A gift to Marley. I was browsing it while she was in the water.”

  “I see.” Linnea didn’t elaborate. I knew she was partial to Granger, not only because he was her former brother-in-law, but because she genuinely cared about him.

  Your aunt is going to go candle over wick out there if she’s not careful, Raoul said.

  I glanced up to see Aunt Hyacinth wading further out into the water than I expected. The bottom of her kaftan was soaking wet, but she didn’t seem to care. She was focused on Marley’s demonstration of how to ride the board. It was then that I saw the huge wave rolling toward them.

  My mouth opened, but there wasn’t enough time to warn them. The wave crashed over the group, scattering them like pieces on a game board. Marley popped up instantly and my heart relaxed. I counted all the heads except one.

  “Where’s Mother?” Linnea was on her feet before I could say a word.

  “There she is,” I said, pointing in the distance to the white-blond head bobbing up and down. The current had managed to pull her further out to sea. “Is she a strong swimmer?”

  “She’s Mother,” Linnea said. “She’s a strong everything.”

  “She was taken by surprise,” I said. “I’m sure she needs help.” Even the best swimmers could be outmatched by the sea.

  I’d only taken a few steps toward the shore when I realized that Aunt Hyacinth’s form was getting closer and closer. Then I noticed the powerful arms lifting her clear of the water.

  “Is that a…?” I squinted.

  “A merman,” Linnea said. “Sweet Goddess of the Moon. Look at those arms.”

  He emerged from the water, still holding my aunt’s drenched body. Although she appeared conscious, she seemed to be in shock. His fin dissolved into legs as the air reached them and he walked onto the sand, lowering my aunt to the ground and deftly administering CPR. I didn’t even know if it was medically necessary, but my aunt didn’t seem to mind.

  Linnea and I ran over to join the crowd that now surrounded them. I immediately noticed the merman’s bare muscular chest and thick salt and pepper hair.

  “No need to make a fuss,” my aunt said. “I’m perfectly fine, thank you.” She sat up, dusting the sand from her outfit. With the wet kaftan clinging to her body, it quickly became apparent that my aunt kept her hourglass figure under wraps thanks to her penchant for oversized dresses.

  The merman examined her. “Are you certain? I saw you ingest quite a bit of water before I was able to get to you.”

  My aunt coughed. “I’ll be fine. I’ll go at once to see the healer.”

  “At least allow me to accompany you,” he said. “Tell him what I witnessed.”

  “If you insist,” my aunt said. I thought she’d relented far too easily. “I’m Hyacinth Rose-Muldoon.” She tucked a soggy stand of hair behind her ear.

  “Zale Murphy,” he said, and shook her hand. “Can you walk? I’m happy to carry you. You’re light as a pelican’s feather.”

  “I can stand on my own two feet,” she said firmly.

  He didn’t bother to disguise a smile. “Very well then.”

  “Marley and I will find a ride back,” I said. “Don’t worry about us.”

  “I wasn’t,” Aunt Hyacinth called over her shoulder.

  Raoul snickered. I guess she found her prospective match.

  “Yes, but which one is he?” I mused. Was the merman a red eight, a Draw Four, or the Wild card? Only time would tell.

  Chapter Fifteen

  The sheriff and I sat in the Whitethorn, enjoying the last of our dessert and drinks. We’d discussed Hattie’s murder at length and seemed no closer to figuring out which suspect was responsible. They all seemed to have motive, access, and opportunity.

  The sheriff gazed at me over his pint of ale. “I like coming here with you, even if we talk about murder. I’ve been coming here so long on my own, I forgot how nice company can be.”

  “I’m sure you could’ve had company any time you wanted it,” I said. “That star on your shirt attracts all kinds.” There was no shortage of women in Starry Hollow eager to provide the sexy sheriff with an evening of companionship.

  He glanced down at his shirt. “Oh, so it’s the star
, is it? Not my rugged good looks or my charming personality?”

  I waved my hand in front of him. “It’s the whole package. Even the earnest expression you wear so well. Women think they love a bad boy, but they want you more.”

  His brow lifted. “They want me, do they? Can’t say I’ve seen evidence of that, Rose.”

  “Only because you haven’t been paying attention. It’s called willful oblivion.”

  “Or maybe because I only have eyes for one lady in particular and she happens to be seated across from me right now.”

  “You don’t have to flatter me to get invited to my sleepover party. I told you it’s on the horizon.”

  He leaned closer. “How close is this horizon, would you say?”

  “Sorry to interrupt,” a perky voice said.

  “Holly,” I said, unable to hide my surprise. Instinctively, I looked behind her for any sign of Alec. Maybe I’d finally get confirmation that the rumors were true.

  “Alec is in the men’s room,” Holly said, as though reading my thoughts. So much for everyone’s so-called ‘evidence.’

  I laughed. “That vampire has the bladder of an eight months’ pregnant woman.” I didn’t know whether to ask about the status of their relationship. It seemed intrusive.

  “I don’t mean to interrupt your date,” Holly said. “You two are just the cutest together, by the way. Makes me want to fall in love all over again.” She sighed dramatically.

  “You do it right the first time and you get to feel that way every day,” the sheriff said. He quickly realized how his comment sounded. “Sorry, Holly. I didn’t mean to suggest that you chose poorly.”

  “Oh, I know.” Holly cast a concerned glance over her shoulder, but Alec was still nowhere in sight. Maybe he was hiding because he’d spotted the sheriff and me. It was hard to tell with the emotionally impenetrable vampire.

  “Would you like to join us for a drink?” the sheriff asked. I nearly kicked him under the table. The last thing I wanted to do was watch Holly and Alec together. If they were in their making up phase, it would be too brutal to witness.

  “No, but thanks,” Holly replied. “Alec and I need some alone time. I only wanted to say thank you to Ember for raising such a wonderful daughter. I meant to tell you when I saw you in the coffee shop, but I was a little distracted at the time. It’s hard enough to raise a good one when both parents are in the picture, but you’ve managed to do this on your own.” She gave my shoulder a gentle pat. “I don’t know what your secret is, but keep it up.”