Ryder punched numbers to try and make a call, and I had to stop myself from grinning. “I told you landline only unless you’re standing just right at specific spots on the island.”
“Is there somewhere I can make a private call?” he asked.
Watson gestured to the phone on the desk. “I’m due for a break. Tess and I can go see what Noah’s cooking up in the kitchen.”
He picked up the phone and didn’t even wait until we were gone before he started dialing. I quietly closed the door behind me when Watson casually rested his arm over my shoulders. “He stayed at your place last night, huh?”
I nudged his stomach. “So did my brother.”
“Tess, he’s going to be gone in a week, you realize that, right? Because I never pegged you for temporary.”
I rolled his arm off my shoulder. “You never pegged me for anything,” I said, glancing up at him. “All this time you led me to believe that you were worried what Noah would think.” I stopped with my back to the kitchen door. “Well, newsflash, Watson….Noah has already informed Ryder that you and I are a thing.”
“Perfect.” Watson cupped my cheek and held my gaze. “Date me, Tess. Pick me. I’m not going anywhere.”
I patted his hand. “You know I love you.” My gaze softened. “And even though you aren’t going anywhere when this is over, I am.”
An amused chuckle left his lips. “Our timing sucks.”
“Always has,” I said, bumping the kitchen door with my butt to open it. “Maybe it’s a sign.”
Ryder
Chapter 12
Maureen answered on the first ring. “Hello.”
“Maur, this is Ryder.”
“Hey, sugar. This is a nice surprise. I wasn’t expecting to hear from you. Are you still on the hunt, or are you ready to bring one in?”
“Still hunting but now on Venture Island.”
“Ohh. Enjoying some sun and bikinis while you’re on the clock, are you?”
“Not quite.” He grinned. Not that Ryder wouldn’t have had this been an easy job, but this was far from easy, and there was way too much going on. “I need some digging.”
“I don’t even have to look that up. Masterson Venture hails from the Venture line. No warrants, no citations…” He heard the clicking of her keyboard. “Once reported missing. He was a hellion in his youth, but no more than you were. He’s a warlock. Widowed, divorced three times, two children.”
“I know after his first wife died, he couldn’t settle down. I’ve heard the rumors.”
“Uh, no, Ryder. His first marriage ended in divorce, and his second turned him into a widower.”
“You sure?” he asked. He could have sworn that Tess said her mother had been the first.
“Uh, yeah, I’m looking at it, dollface.”
“Who was his first wife? Was she a witch?”
“A strong one,” she announced. “Vinette Halliwell. Married at an early age. They were married for six years before they divorced.”
That couldn’t be right. “I’m going to need a copy of their marriage license and divorce.”
“You think he’s your killer?” she asked.
“I didn’t, but I know better than to assume an alibi can stick. Thanks for your help.”
“No problem, hun, I’ll email you everything I’ve got. Was that the only reason you called, or were you missing my voice?”
Ryder shook the haze from his head. “I need you to check the database for any Kimbrels with a connection to the witch society.”
“Which ancestral family?” she asked.
“I don’t even know if there’s a connection, but their daughter seems to be involved with a Halliwell.”
“Romantic?”
“Not sure. That’s what I’m hoping you can tell me.”
“I’ll work my magic just for you, sugar. If I find anything, I’ll call or send that too.”
“Thanks.”
He hung up and glanced at the computer sitting nearby. He typed in a few keywords in the Council database before he hit the jackpot. He had the birthdates of each of the Halliwell children, along with their birth certificates. “Father unknown.”
“Son of a bitch,” he whispered to himself before clicking the browser closed. If his suspicions were right, and nine times out of ten they were spot-on, the Halliwell’s were more than hotel guests. They were Masterson Venture’s children, making them Tess’s half-siblings like Noah.
Ryder ran a hand through his hair as he left the security office in search of the kitchen. He stood just outside the door, looking in through the triangle glass window.
Tess was sitting on the counter eating from a plate held in her hand while Watson was laughing and Noah was cooking. It was easy to guess that they were family. Trying to picture any of the Halliwells in that scenario was damn near impossible.
How was he going to break the news? It wasn’t his place to tell her father’s secrets, but she’d eventually find out, especially after Ryder had to question him again. Ryder held out hope that Masterson’s alibi would be cleared with the security feed. He’d bite his tongue until he was sure. But had Vinette chosen this place because she planned on telling the children who their father was, or already had?
Chapter 13
I spotted Ryder in the doorway and waved him in.
“What can I make you, Ryder?” Noah asked.
“Whatever is fine,” he answered, sounding like his mind was a million miles away.
“Did your call go okay?” I asked, unable to read his face.
“Yeah, maybe, jury is still out.”
His conflicting words had me frowning. “Ryder, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” He shook his head and smiled in the fake way my father did when greeting guests. “Watson, could you go check the rest of the feed with their dad to clear his name.”
“Uh, sure.” Watson exchanged a worried with look with Ryder. “I’ll let you know what I find.”
Noah pulled off some pancakes from the griddle, slid them onto a plate, and handed it to Ryder before pointing with his spatula toward the coffee pot. “It’s self-serve decaf, Ryder.”
“Remind me again how you two are related,” Ryder said, pouring a cup of coffee.
“My mom was ex-wife number 2, after Tess’s mom, so we’re half-brother and sister.”
“How many women has your dad married?” Ryder asked, sipping the coffee.
I shared an amused look with Noah. “He’s on number 4, right?”
“Yeah, he just divorced number four, the evil stepmother from hell.” Noah shivered. “I was glad to see that one go.”
“So it’s just the two of you? No other siblings running around the island or on the mainland?”
“Just us,” I answered. “What’s up with the questions?”
He shrugged. “Just double-checking facts for our database and for when I write my report when this is over.”
“Well, you’re running out of time, Mister Officer Man. Our guests are only here for five days, and you’re down to three. The ferry arrives on Friday, and we’re no closer to knowing which person you’ve been hunting that killed Mrs. Halliwell.”
He simply nodded.
“If this was my investigation, I’d probably look at all of your victims to see if there’s a connection.”
“They’re both witches, but beside that, I can’t find a link,” he said, glancing up.
“Most serial killers have a method to their madness. Same color hair, same age, same person that pissed them off, some type of fascination with something like college aged girls. Something that ties them together, even if it’s just destination.”
Noah turned the stove down and laid his ladle in the holder. “Who was the first victim?”
“An employee of a caterer that served drinks in California.”
“What about age?” I asked.
“Thirty-two. Not much to tell about her. She worked full time and studied her craft in the evenings. No enemies, but re
ally smart. I think she did a couple years in college and then decided to switch gears into business.”
“So not even the same age or experience.” I sighed.
He shook his head.
What I knew about murder, and judging by the scoreboard, some might argue I was a killer myself, I knew three undeniable facts. The perpetrator needed motive, opportunity, and means.
“Start with the obvious,” I grumbled and jumped down to wash my plate.
“I thought I had.” He chuckled.
“Your killer needs three things, motive, means, and opportunity.”
“That’s a given,” Noah added.
“You start with opportunity. Cross check the whereabouts of every one of the guests that just arrived and see if they had reason to be in California at the time of the first murder. Where you’re going wrong is that you’re following the magic, which is fine, it brought here, but now you need to connect the dots. Cross check to see who had opportunity and work your way backward.”
“You’re brilliant. Now I know why you’re number one on the murder board,” Ryder said, kissing my cheek and heading for the door.
“Did you hear that, Noah? He thinks I’m brilliant.” I punched my brother’s arm.
“Hey, where you going? You didn’t touch your food,” Noah called out.
“I have to go back to the B&B and make some calls and then check on Peter’s alibi.” Ryder paused as the enthusiasm on his face drained. “Tess, watch your back while I’m gone.”
“Don’t worry about her back. Between Watson and me, we’ve got her covered.”
Ryder didn’t seem convinced, so I saluted him to let him know I comprehended. “No going off on my own or confronting evil people. Got it.”
****
I broke that promise by noon. Well, technically I didn’t break it. All three Halliwells did when they took seats at my shaded poolside table where I was sipping a fruity non-alcoholic drink, minding my own business.
“Did you want the table?” I asked, about to rise to my feet.
“No, we just wanted to talk to you.” Penny smiled, resting her hand over mine.
“I haven’t figured out how to give you back your mother’s mojo, but don’t worry.” I lifted the amulet around my neck and dangled it between my fingers. “I’m blocking it so I don’t accidentally blow something up.”
Pippy rolled her eyes, and Peter just watched me like he was trying to determine if I was telling the truth.
“Let’s cut to the chase, ladies,” Peter said, clearing his throat. “We know you’re friendly with the Council officer. Is there any news on who killed our mother?”
My mouth parted before I snapped it closed.
“You’ll have to forgive Peter.” Penny gave a sad smile. “He’s angry and upset and wants answers just like the rest of us.”
“We could make you tell us,” Pippy added, raising her brow.
“You could try,” I said, grasping the necklace around my neck. I might just find out if it really did block any magical bombshells.
Her gaze zeroed in on my hold, and she looked away, pissy like she understood why she might fail.
Peter’s gaze turned from his sisters to Sue and Creely Kimbrel as they entered the pool area. Sue took Creely by the elbow and led her down the path toward the chairs on the beach.
Peter’s eyes narrowed, and he shoved out of his chair and huffed his way back into the hotel. There was no love lost there. Maybe Ryder and I had missed something.
“This was a waste of time,” Pippy announced as she rose and followed her brother back into the air conditioned building. I’d expected Penny to do the same, but I was wrong. She sat back and adjusted her hat to cover her face where the sun had started to touch.
“You’ll have to forgive my family. They have no manners.”
“I probably wouldn’t either had it been my dad,” I answered honestly.
She turned to look at me. “Family is important. My siblings have always underestimated me because I don’t crave the things that witchcraft can bring about.”
“I heard Pippy has her eye on the Council seat.”
“That’s no secret. She has since she was ten.” Penny chuckled. “Peter, he’s different. He just exudes power and doesn’t need anything, including the title to prove his worth. He’s very self-assured.”
“You’re actually the smart one, calculating, watching, quiet, never acting on impulse.”
She grinned. “You’re observant.” She grinned and rose. “I have no doubt you’ll help solve this case and bring my mother’s killer to justice.”
I stopped her before she could walk away. “You know who it is, don’t you?”
“I have my guess,” she said, glancing down toward the beach. “You’ve already talked to all of us, and I can tell you, no matter how rotten my family can be, none of us killed our mother. You need to expand your search.”
She started to walk away, but she turned back around. “Oh and about my mom’s abilities. If you ever want to learn to wield them, I can help. She trained me, and I’ve watched her all my life, and like you said, I’m a great observer.”
“Oh, I don’t think I’ll be keeping them.”
“Yes you will, and they’ll save your life more than once. Trust me I’ve seen the premonitions.” She winked and grinned.
Chapter 14
I headed to the B&B where Ryder was talking to Mrs. Fillpot, the owner. She was a nice old lady and had been settled on the island for the last ten years. To be honest, I think Dad only approved her application for status because he found her and her plans for a B&B as non-threat and a way to accommodate the non-islanders when they were visiting island residents. It was a way to keep them out of his hotel. I couldn’t prove it, but it was a hunch.
Ryder was sitting at a table with the old woman. His ceramic cat coffee cup sat untouched in front of him. I neared the table and met Mrs. Fillpot’s gaze.
“Well, there she is. Our very own Tess Venture.” Mrs. Fillpot smiled, giving me a glimpse of her dentures. “Would you like some tea, dear?”
“No thanks. Ryder, can I speak with you a minute?”
“Sure.” He rose from his seat. “If you’ll excuse us, Mrs. Fillpot.”
Ryder led me to the stairs and up to his room. I’d never been in the B&B rooms. I’d never had need, but they were nothing like I imagined. Where I’d been expecting lace doilies and quilted blankets folded on the end of the beds, these were much more sophisticated with warm colors and fine furniture. I seriously think my dad might have underestimated Mrs. Fillpot’s contribution.
If I were visiting an island getaway, I would be more inclined to stay in one of these rooms than around a million tourist guests.
“Tess, what are you doing here?” Ryder asked, closing the door behind him.
“The Halliwells approached me at the pool to inquire about the investigation.”
“What did you tell them?” he asked, crossing his arms over his chest.
I walked to the window to look down on the street below. “I told them nothing and two left in a huff, but not Penny.”
“The quiet one?” Ryder asked, moving across the room to pick up something on the dresser and shove it into his pocket.
“She says we need to widen our suspect pool.”
“Did she say who should be added?” Ryder asked, leaning against the dresser.
I gestured to the bed and pointed. “May I?”
“Help yourself.” He looked confused. I couldn’t blame him, but if I was right, that comforter was an Egyptian thread count and supposed to be like sleeping on clouds.
I plopped down and spread out my arms, engulfed in the comforter as it contoured to my body.
“Who does she believe we need to add?”
I purred and pulled the blanket to cover my body. “I have got to get me one of these.”
“I’ll buy you one if you just answer my question.”
“Oh right,” I said, sitting up and pullin
g the blanket cocoon with me. “She didn’t come right out and say so, but she implied we should look into the Kimbrels. Sue and Creely were walking through the pool area down to the beach. That’s when Peter left to go back into the hotel mad, and Pippy followed him. I seriously believe there’s more going on between those families than what we know.”
He sat down on the bed next to me and ran his hand through his hair, a sure sign, I was starting to realize, that meant he was stressed out. “Tess, there’s something I need to tell you, and you aren’t going to like it.”
I swallowed around the forming lump in my throat. There wasn’t much that scared me anymore. Even having someone’s abilities inside me was something I could handle if push came to shove, but based on the tone in Ryder’s voice and the look in his eyes, whatever he was about to say was going to hit me hard.
“Okay.”
“Your father has no alibi.”
I let out a sigh of relief. “Well, neither do the others. Doesn’t mean he killed Vinette. He has no motive.”
“Actually he does. I wasn’t sure until I got a call from the Council.”
“I don’t understand. My father might not be perfect, but he’s no killer.” I abandoned the comforter and rose. I didn’t think I could take whatever he was about to say sitting down and within striking distance. I clasped the pendant around my neck, hoping that it worked.
“Your mother wasn’t Masterson’s first wife. He was married for six years before her.”
My brows dipped. “Okay, so what does that have to do with anything?”
He met my gaze and rose. “He was married to Vinette Halliwell, and they had three children together.”
I shook my head and stepped back until my but hit his dresser. “You’re lying.”
“I didn’t want to tell you my suspicions until I had proof.”
I shoved against his chest. “I don’t believe you.”
He pulled something out of his pocket and handed it to me. It was a printed picture of my father, much younger, with his arm around Vinette and with three small children of various ages. Words escaped me as I struggled to breathe. My gaze narrowed to slits as I lifted my eyes. “Even if this is true and he co-created those spawns with that woman, it doesn’t prove he killed her. What about Peter and the Kimbrels?”
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