Occult and Battery

by Lena Gregory

  “Yeah. Just a little sore this morning.” She pushed the door shut and waved as Stephanie pulled away then turned and entered the waiting room.

  Emmett looked up from whatever paperwork he was doing behind the counter. When he spotted her, he dropped his pen on the desk and rounded the counter. Lifting his red baseball cap from his head, he smoothed a hand over his long mane of greying hair. “Man, am I glad you’re okay. Gave me a good scare this morning.” He fitted his cap back into place and chuckled.

  “Sorry.” Cass grinned.

  “I have your car in the garage if you want to get anything out of it.”

  “Thank you. I left Beast’s leash in there, and I have to pick him up.”

  He turned and pushed through the door to the garage, then held it open.

  Cass followed. Her car sat in the center of the first bay. The little silver Jetta had definitely seen better days. Cass reached to open the passenger door.

  “You have to go around. That one doesn’t open.”

  She walked around the front of the car. “Are you going to be able to fix this?”

  Emmett surveyed the damage. “I just got it in here a little while ago and haven’t had a chance to take a look yet.” He smiled. “You weren’t the only one to go off the road last night. I had to tow in three other cars. Luckily, no one was hurt.”

  She nodded. From the damage she could see, she was very lucky. The passenger side was pretty smashed up and the front window was shattered, but still in place. The driver’s side fender was crumpled. The roof was sort of crushed in the middle. Must have happened when she hit the tree. A chill raced up her spine.

  Blocking out the vision of the accident, Cass opened the door then closed it again. “You know what? I don’t really need the leash.” The vet’s office had a small selection of supplies for sale. She’d just buy a new leash when she stopped to pick up Beast. She turned her back to the car. “Stephanie said you had something I could drive for now.”

  “Yeah, out back.” He started walking toward the back door of the shop. “I keep a few loaners, just in case of something like this.” He opened the door and held it for her, then gestured toward the back corner of a small parking lot. “You can use either one while we figure out what’s going on with yours.”

  “Thanks, Emmett. You’re a lifesaver.”

  His cheeks flushed red.

  Tucking her hands in her coat pockets, she crossed the lot with Emmett at her side. She inhaled deeply, the salty scent of the sea filling her lungs, soothing her even as the wind whipped sand across the open lot. She lifted a hand to block what felt like shards of glass from hitting her face. “There’s something I want to ask you.”

  He pulled his cap down against the wind. “Oh?”

  It was too cold to find a tactful way to lead into the conversation. “When Joan was arguing the other night, was she arguing with Conrad?”

  Emmett hesitated, which surprised Cass. She expected him to just say yes.

  “I’m not sure. No reason to think it wasn’t, but I couldn’t say for sure.”

  Hmm . . . They reached the two SUVs. An old, black Suburban—way too big—or a pretty light green Forester. “Can I have this one?”

  “You bet.” He pulled two keys from his pocket, selected one, and put the other back. “Here.” He handed her the key on a small ring.

  “Thank you, Emmett.” He was obviously not going to expand on his answer, and she couldn’t think of a way to ask about the ghost he’d seen without saying Tank told her.

  “I’ll see you tonight.” He tipped the brim of his hat and walked off.

  That’s right. She’d forgotten about the group reading tonight. She had less than an hour before she had to open the shop. She climbed into the Forester and started the engine, then took a minute to familiarize herself with where everything was. She turned on the radio and pulled out of the lot heading toward the Madison Estate. She’d swing around quickly and see if anything was going on, then stop and pick up Beast and head to the shop. Perfect.

  Thankfully, between the sun shining and the salt and sand that had been spread on the roads, they were now covered in slush rather than ice. She snapped off the radio and slowed as she rounded the curve by the mansion. Police cars, a crime scene van, Tank’s SUV, and a news van from a local TV station. She braked gently, mindful of the road conditions, and slowed to a crawl.

  Tank was standing by the front gate talking to two uniformed police officers. She stopped and rolled down her window, waving to get his attention.

  When the two officers nodded, he looked around and approached her. “What are you doing here?”

  “I just left Emmett’s and had to swing by Doc Martin’s to pick up Beast. I figured I’d take a ride past and see if anything’s going on.” She swallowed hard and looked past him. “I guess there is.”

  Tank rubbed a hand over his head. “Yeah. It was Joan.” He folded his arms against the roof and leaned in the open window, keeping his voice low. “I want you to stay out of this, okay, Cass? I mean it. We don’t know what’s going on, and I don’t want you involved.”

  “Did you talk to Jim Wellington?”

  “Yeah. Seems you’re part of his alibi for the evening.”

  Tank didn’t look happy about that, but Cass let it drop.

  Guilt prickled her conscience. “Do you know what time she died?” Catching her lower lip between her teeth, she prayed it was before Jim had pulled her out of the car.

  Apparently sensing her unease, Tank’s expression softened. “It was late in the afternoon, long before you got here.”

  Cass nodded, relief coursing through her. She’d never have forgiven herself if she’d left Joan there still alive. She glanced up at the cupola. She couldn’t see anything but could imagine the crime scene techs collecting evidence and removing . . . better not to go there.

  “Stephanie said she’ll be at the shop with you all day. Can you tell her I’ll give her a call in a little while?”

  “Sure.”

  “Thanks. I’ll see you later.” Tank patted the roof then started up the walkway.

  “Tank?”

  He turned and walked back to her. “What’s up?”

  “When I was up in the cupola, I noticed a small compartment in the floor. Do you know if they found anything in it?” She held her breath, waiting to see if he’d answer.

  With a quick glance over his shoulder, he leaned closer. “Nah. Nothing. It was empty.”

  “One more thing?”

  “One more. That’s it.”

  She grinned. “Did the police trash Conrad’s room?”

  His eyebrows drew together when he frowned. “No. Why?”

  “Well, you said something about Conrad being a neat freak. The condition his room was in . . . well . . .” She trailed off, remembering she hadn’t told Tank she was in his room the first time when things on the dresser had been overturned, but without the level of destruction that was present the second time. “It seemed weird his room would be such a mess.”

  Tank held her gaze a moment longer than necessary, suspicion creeping into his eyes. “We don’t know what happened yet.” He pointed a finger at her. “I meant what I said, Cass. Stay out of it. I don’t want you getting hurt.”

  She shot him her best innocent look. “Sure.”

  He held her gaze a moment longer then started away again.

  “Wait.”

  He stopped and turned.

  She grinned. “One more thing.”

  Propping his hands on his hips, he pursed his lips and waited.

  She lowered her voice to a whisper. “Did you bag the soap?”

  Laughter popped out. “Yes, Detective Donovan.” He threw her a two-finger salute. “We bagged the soap. Now get out of here.”

  15

  Cass pushed through the door of Mystic
al Musings with Beast in tow, content with being only five minutes late. Stephanie was already busy with a customer.

  Cass took Beast to the back of the room and slid his basket of toys closer. “You don’t chew on anything but these. Understand?”

  He tipped his head and yelped.

  “Good.” She knelt beside him and petted his head, grateful to have him back. “I missed you, boy.” With one last hug, she got up, grabbed her laptop from behind the counter, and took it to the back table. She pulled out the list Doc Martin gave her this morning, since the first one he’d given her had disappeared in the accident, and started researching how to train Beast.

  The tinkle of the wind chimes above the door made her pause and glance up as Stephanie’s customer left.

  “How’d it go with Emmett?” Stephanie asked.

  Cass shrugged, her attention still on the dog-training site. “Okay with the car, but he doesn’t know if it was Conrad Joan was fighting with.”

  “We kind of figured that.”

  “Yeah. I guess.”

  “What are you doing?”

  Cass moved onto the next site on the list. “I’m looking for ways to train Beast. Doc gave me a list.” She scrolled down. “This one looks promising.” She pointed to a small diagram in a box on the side bar. “That’s how Doc did it, and Beast sat right down. How hard could it be?” She closed the computer and got up to get a treat. Beast jumped up as soon as she opened the canister, back end wagging furiously. “Okay.” She held the treat up and started to move it toward him and over his head. “Sit.”

  Beast jumped up and snatched the treat from her hand.

  “Ugh . . .” She dropped back into her chair, defeated.

  Stephanie burst out laughing.

  Cass shot her a glare. “By the way, Tank said to tell you he’d call you later.”

  “When did you talk to Tank?”

  “I swung by the mansion on my way to the vet’s.”

  Stephanie offered a sympathetic look. “He was still there?”

  “Yup. With the crime scene crew.”

  “I’m sorry. I was hoping you were wrong.”

  “Yeah, me too.”

  “Did he have anything else to say?”

  “Not really.”

  The wind chimes sounded, ending their conversation. Cass stood. “Good morning, can I help you?”

  The young man pushed the door closed behind him. “I hope so. A friend of mine suggested I come in here.” He looked around as Cass crossed to the counter. He ran his hand over the driftwood countertop. “This is really nice.”

  Cass smiled. “Thank you.”

  “Anyway. I graduated from college in June, and I’ve been filling out applications and dropping my resume off everywhere.” His eyes lit up an instant before the smile started. He’d obviously gotten some kind of good news; though she couldn’t guess what.

  “Congratulations.”

  His eyes widened. “How’d you know?”

  She tapped her head. “I’m gifted that way.”

  “Wow.” Admiration filled his voice. “Yeah, so, I got a call yesterday from the advertising firm I really, really want to work for, and they asked me to come in for an interview. I’ve researched them meticulously, know exactly what they look for in a new employee and I’m sure I can do well, but I’m a nervous wreck.” He laughed self-consciously, his cheeks flaming red. “I have my portfolio ready, and I’ve practiced what I want to say in front of a mirror, but . . . the truth is . . .” He huffed out a breath. “I’m terrible at interviews. It’s scheduled for early in the morning, and I’m not really a morning person, so I tend to have a hard time focusing.” A sheepish grin surfaced. “I also tend to babble a little when I’m nervous, in case you haven’t noticed.”

  Cass laughed. This kid was adorable. She rested her forearms on the counter, clasped her hands, and continued to study the young boy as he spoke. Though she could tell he was nervous—little giggles, fidgety hands, rocking back and forth, a slight stammer now and then—he still carried himself confidently. He held his back straight and his head high and kept his gaze on her. He obviously knew his stuff. He just needed the confidence to sell it.

  “So, I was wondering if there was anything you could give me that would keep me from making a total fool of myself?”

  “I’m sure you’ll do great, but I can definitely put a few things together that might help.” She pulled out a tray of stones and laid it on the counter, then took out a small bag. Help with job interviews was a common request, so she kept a tray beneath the counter filled with the appropriate crystals; though she customized the bags for each individual client.

  She held a transparent yellow stone up to the light. “This is citrine. It will help boost your self-confidence.” She dropped the stone into the bag, then searched the tray for green aventurine, a good luck stone that promoted well-being. She selected one and held it up for him to see. “This one will help you to feel calm. It’s also a great crystal for prosperity.”

  “Do these things really work?” He lifted a skeptical brow.

  “My clients seem to think so.” That was true enough. “Some people swear by them.”

  “Right now, I’m willing to try anything.” He shot her a crooked grin. “And if they work, and I get the job, I’ll swear by them too.”

  She couldn’t help but smile at his enthusiasm. Next, she chose a ruby and rolled it around in her hand for a minute, but then put it back. A ruby could over-stimulate, and that was the last thing this kid needed. She lifted a sunstone instead. Yes, a much better choice. “Sunstone is a good luck stone. It helps alleviate stress and dispel fear.” She returned the tray and tied the bag closed. “Make sure you keep this with you during the interview. I’m sure you’ll do well.”

  He tucked the bag into his pocket and Cass rang up the purchase. She really hoped he got the job. It was always nice when someone came back in to let her know if the crystals had helped. Some people, like this kid, stuck in her mind and she had no way to follow up with them. “Good luck. Let me know how you make out.”

  “You bet. Trust me, if this works . . .” He patted the pocket where he’d put the stones. “I will definitely be back.”

  On his way out, he held the door open for an older woman Cass didn’t recognize. Interest in Mystical Musings was definitely on the rise if the past two days were any indication.

  “Hi. How are you?”

  “Cold.” The woman unwound her scarf. “This . . .” she gestured out the front window at the mess of slush, “is the reason I moved to Florida.”

  “How about a nice hot cup of tea?” Cass crossed to the pot at the counter. “What brings you up north in this weather?”

  “Tea sounds lovely.” She took her coat off and hung it on the rack. She wore a navy blue suit that screamed power. “Actually, I came to see you.”

  “Me?” Cass set out two cups, her interest piqued.

  “Well, not exactly. I came up for a meeting, but after the meeting, I decided I had to come see you.” The woman folded her hands in front of her and stood perfectly still, her face blank. No small movements, no change of expression, not one little tell to give Cass any indication of her mood.

  “Now I’m intrigued. What for?” She started pouring water over the tea bags.

  “I spoke to Priscilla Wellington this morning, and she said you were able to conjure Buford’s ghost during a séance.”

  Cass looked up, one hand on the teacup, and the cup overflowed with hot water. “Ouch!” She jerked her hand away, knocking the cup over.

  “Oh dear. Are you all right?”

  Stephanie jumped up from the table and turned on the faucet. “Run your hand under the cold water.”

  Cass did as she was told. Her hand was fine, but she needed a few minutes to collect her thoughts. This was getting way out of hand now. Alt
hough, she had to admit, the boost in business sure was nice. But she was going to have to put a stop to these rumors. “I’m sorry. What did you say your name is?”

  “I didn’t.” The woman leaned over to examine Cass’s hand. “It looks okay.”

  Cass turned off the water and pressed a paper towel to her hand. “It’s fine. I think I got more startled than anything. Only a little bit of water splashed onto my hand.”

  “In that case . . .” The woman extended a hand to Cass. “I’m Abigail Madison. I believe you’ve probably heard of my husband, Horatio.”

  Sucking in a sharp breath, Cass struggled to school her features. No sense letting her shock show. “Yes. Of course, Mrs. Madison.” Cass took her hand. “What can I do for you?”

  She sighed. “I saw Buford’s ghost the night Horatio passed on. We both did. Everyone thought I was crazy—Horatio was crazy. The incident has tarnished his good name as well as his reputation. I’m hoping you can put a stop to that.”

  “Me? How can I help?”

  “By contacting Buford again, of course.”

  Stunned, Cass made no move to make more tea. “What do you mean?”

  “I want you to hold another séance and contact Buford. I want you to find out what he wants. Then I want you to help him get it so we can lay him to rest. Then, maybe, my Horatio can finally be at peace.”

  Cass opened her mouth, but when nothing came out, she snapped it shut again. The tinkling of the chimes announced another customer, saving her from having to give an immediate answer.

  • • •

  “What are you going to do?” Stephanie patted Beast’s head and sat at the table with a bottle of water.

  Cass shrugged and joined her. It was the first lull they’d had all day. Even with Stephanie taking care of sales while Cass did readings, there had been people milling around the store since they opened. She toyed with the business card Abigail had left with her, turning it over and over.

  The front door opened, and Bee strode through, leaving a trail of snow in his wake. Concern filled his eyes when his gaze met Cass’s.