Magic & Mischief

by Annabel Chase

  “Okay, so upper body strength is not my forte. No need to be mean.”

  “Sorry.” She gave me a sheepish grin. “Sometimes my thoughts slide right off my tongue.”

  I could certainly relate to that.

  Thankfully, I had just enough cash on me to pay for the half an hour. An hour would have been too much.

  Sela was very patient with me and explained how to paddle, how to turn, and why it was important to move parallel to the coastline.

  After the brief tutorial, I slid into the yellow kayak and gripped the paddles. What was I thinking? I sat perfectly still, unable to move. With my luck, I’d probably attract a shark. Was that a worst fear for me? Although it would suck, it probably didn’t qualify. I was always more concerned with bad things happening to Marley than to me.

  “Don’t waste time sitting next to the dock,” Sela said. “Get out there and mingle with the ocean.” She pushed the end of the kayak with her foot and sent me gliding across the water.

  “Popcorn balls,” I yelled, as the water splashed over me. Despite the lesson, I wasn’t very adept with the paddles. On a positive note, my incompetence forced me to focus on not capsizing and drowning, so I stopped worrying about the sheriff, Alec, and the nightmare curse. There was something to be said for physical exertion to take your mind off your troubles. Hmm. Maybe if I cleaned more often, my mind would be clearer.

  Nah. Probably not.

  The waves began to roll higher and the kayak dipped from side to side. It was both exciting and unsettling. I was so close to the water, it felt like I was one with the waves. I’d have to come back with Marley one day. Seeing how much she enjoyed her magical boogie board, I knew she’d love this, too.

  “You’re getting the hang of it,” a voice said.

  I glanced in the water beside me to see Sela’s auburn head bobbing in the waves. “Is it safe for you to swim out here? Aren’t you worried about riptides?” Or sharks.

  Sela laughed. “I’m definitely not worried about riptides.” Her head disappeared and, the next thing I knew, a pair of green flippers broke the surface before slipping beneath the waves.

  “Sweet baby Ariel,” I said, staring at the place in the water where the tail disappeared. “Sela’s a mermaid.”

  I wasn’t sure why that fact surprised me. Not after arriving in Starry Hollow. Not after today.

  “Are there any creatures in the water here I should worry about?” I called.

  Sela’s head popped back up next to me. “There’s nothing to fear. Most creatures of the deep wish you no harm.”

  “No Krakens then?”

  “Word in the water is that they’re extinct,” Sela said. “I’ve spent my whole life in these waters and I’ve never seen one.”

  Small favors.

  “You might see a selkie, but they’re harmless,” she said. “Like mermaids.”

  I stopped moving the paddles. “What’s a selkie?”

  Sela smiled. “You don’t know what they are? How interesting.”

  “I’m from the human world,” I said. “I’m still figuring out all these paranormal types.” And Marley wasn’t here to educate me.

  “Selkies are much like us. They live as seals in the water, and as humans on land.”

  I continued to paddle alongside her and winced when I smacked my hand on the side of the kayak. This would definitely take practice.

  “Oh, but if you hear a beautiful singing voice, paddle quickly in the opposite direction,” Sela warned.

  “That’s an odd directive.”

  She smiled. “I suppose you’ve never heard of sirens either.”

  “No, I have heard of those,” I said. “My daughter told me about them. Some guy tied himself to a pole on his ship to avoid swimming to them.”

  “One of many stories,” Sela said. “Most of them are fully integrated in society, although we do get the occasional rogue siren that decides to have fun with people on the water.” She shook her head in disgust.

  “I’ll keep an ear out,” I said.

  Sela floated on her back beside the kayak. “Why do I get the sense you came out here to escape something?”

  “Not escape,” I said. “Just think clearly. Bad stuff happened today and I feel like it’s my fault.”

  “We women do carry an acute sense of responsibility,” Sela said. She smacked her tail flat on the water, sending water droplets in all directions. “Or perhaps you’re a narcissist.”

  “Probably a little of both,” I admitted.

  Sela dipped her tail back into the water. “Whatever the problem is, try taking yourself out of the equation and see if you can find a solution that doesn’t include you. That might help you determine where the fault actually belongs.”

  I stared at her in awe. “What are you? Some kind of water therapist?”

  “Unofficially,” she replied. “You seem very at home out here. Perhaps you were meant for the sea after all.”

  I looked at the coastline in the distance and sighed. “I do like it. It’s peaceful and quiet.” And as much as I wanted to stay longer, I knew it was time to head for shore. “Thanks for the pep talk, Sela. I’m sure I’ll see you again.”

  “I’ll meet you back at the dock,” she said. “With those arms, I suspect you’ll have trouble getting yourself out of the kayak.”

  I couldn’t help but laugh. “Thanks, I think.” I turned the kayak around and followed the mermaid back to the dock. Although my problem wasn’t resolved, at least I felt better about it. That was the most I could hope for right now.

  I decided to take Sela’s advice and remove myself from the equation. See if I could find another plausible reason for the curses. To that end, I returned to the sheriff’s office the next day, ready for action. Deputy Bolan sat behind the sheriff’s desk. I briefly wondered how high he had to raise the seat in order to see over the top of the desk.

  “What brings you back so soon?” Deputy Bolan asked, eyeing me curiously. “I told you I’d be in touch.”

  I dropped into one of the chairs. “I’m being proactive like any good reporter would.”

  The leprechaun pumped his tiny green fist in the air. “Good for you.” His scowl quickly reappeared. “Now why are you here?”

  I leaned on the desk. “Why don’t you like me?”

  “Because you’re annoying. Next question.”

  “You hardly know me.”

  “Don’t need to. Our first meeting was evidence enough.” He went back to examining the papers on his desk.

  “I want to help you figure out what’s going on with Alec and Sheriff Nash,” I said.

  He peered at me. “Why? Worried you won’t have a date for Friday night if those two are still locked up downstairs?”

  I bristled. “I’m not dating either one of them.”

  Deputy Bolan pointed a slender finger at me. “Let’s keep it that way.”

  “What’s it to you?” I demanded. “You’re not married to either of them, unless there’s something no one is telling me.”

  He looked ready to nip me with his little leprechaun teeth. “I’m already married, thank you very much. My husband’s name is Declan. He’s an art teacher at the elementary school.”

  “See?” I said. “No reason to get your knickers in a twist. You’re all set.”

  “What’s in it for you?” Deputy Bolan asked. “Another byline? Doesn’t one byline meet your quota for the year?”

  “Just because my aunt got me the job doesn’t mean I don’t take it seriously,” I said. “When the sheriff and the editor-in-chief of the local paper are both impacted by some type of curse, that’s newsworthy.”

  “I’m starting to think your vampire is cursed in general. It seems like only yesterday he was a frog.”

  “He is a bit of a damsel in distress, isn’t he?” I smothered a laugh. Alec would die all over again if he’d heard me say that. “The damsel needs our help, and so does the sheriff.”

  Deputy Bolan heaved a sigh. “I can tell you
’ll only leave here by force. So what do you propose?”

  “I thought you could review the list of recent arrests. See if there are any magic users or someone known to dabble in magic-for-hire.”

  “You think someone wants revenge on the sheriff?” he queried. “But that doesn’t explain the other affected parties.”

  “No, but it’s a start. If someone’s gone willy-nilly with magic, maybe the sheriff already caught part of the show without realizing it.”

  “That’s…” The deputy hesitated. “That’s actually a good idea.” His chair swiveled in front of the computer and his tiny fingers hammered away on the keyboard. “I’ll pull up a list now.”

  “Look at us—working as a team. The sheriff would be so proud.”

  “Don’t get ahead of yourself.” Deputy Bolan scanned the screen. “Here’s a good one. I remember this guy. A wizard we arrested last week.”

  “A wizard from my coven?” It still sounded weird to hear myself say ‘my coven.’

  “Yep. An older fella called Montague. The sheriff arrested him for practicing magic in a public space without a permit.”

  “That is a good lead. Where was he arrested?”

  “In front of Muse Fountain. He was trying to change the moving statutes into real women. Pygmalion style.”

  “Just for fun?”

  “He was drunk, apparently. It was two in the morning and he’d spent the better part of the evening in Elixir.”

  “So why not charge him with drunk and disorderly?” I asked.

  Deputy Bolan shrugged. “I guess we’ll need to ask the wizard because I don’t speak wolf.”

  “Anyone else?” I asked.

  Deputy Bolan continued to read the screen and frowned. “Oh, I remember this one. A fairy called Desdemona. She was released on bail.”

  “A fairy makes sense,” I said.

  “And she had an attitude, that one. I had to wrestle her wand away.”

  “And you managed to get it? How small was this fairy?” Maybe her name should be Thumbelina.

  The leprechaun scowled. “I’m capable of disarming a suspect, thank you very much. It’s in the job description.”

  “Okay,” I said. “Add her to the short list.” I cringed. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to say ‘short’ list. We’ll pay her a visit, too.”

  The deputy shook his head. “I’m beginning to rethink this team effort.”

  “Don’t knock it ’til you try it,” I said. “The sheriff and I have done pretty well with it so far.”

  Deputy Bolan bristled. “I’m his team. You’re nothing but a wannabe reporter.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Fine, Deputy. We won’t be a team. We’ll just parallel play like two toddlers. Sound good?”

  “Is that another short joke?”

  I smacked my forehead. “Don’t look for insults that aren’t there. Trust me, mine are pretty stinkin’ obvious.”

  “At least that’s one thing we agree on, Ember,” he said.

  “What’s that?” I asked.

  “There’s nothing subtle about you.”

  Chapter 10

  Montague lived in the section of town known as the Breezeway. I figured out pretty quickly where the name came from. The wind whipped my hair around my face, dragging thin strands into my mouth. Delightful.

  "You didn’t inherit the glorious head of Rose hair, did you?" Deputy Bolan queried. He observed my hair from a safe distance as it continued to torture me by slapping my eyeballs.

  I tugged the wayward strands out of my mouth. "No, apparently not."

  "Why don't you pull it back in a ponytail or something?"

  "The individual strands are too thin," I explained. "There is no hairband or barrette on earth that can contain this hair. It’s like Houdini. It escapes every attempt at containment."

  "Who’s Houdini?"

  "Forget it," I said.

  We stepped up to the door and I let Deputy Bolan take the lead. I wanted to stay on the leprechaun’s good side so he didn’t change his mind about teamwork. It seemed to take a few minutes for the occupant to register the knock on the door, but eventually the wizard came around. He looked around sixty-five years old, silver hair, with a matching beard and mustache. He wore a navy blue robe with white stars and his legs were bare, suggesting there wasn't much beneath the robe. I sure hoped that belt kept everything under wraps during our visit.

  "What's this?" Montague asked. "I didn't know the sheriff's office did follow-up visits."

  "May we come in?" Deputy Bolan asked.

  Montague glanced over his shoulder, as though checking something. "I suppose I’ll allow it.”

  He left the door open and retreated into the house. The inside of the bungalow was a mess, to put it mildly. There were stacks of newspaper, books, and magazines on every available surface space. I noticed several used mugs on the coffee table. The beady eyes of a creature peered out from beneath the sofa.

  "Do you have a pet, Montague?" I asked. I really, really prayed he had a pet.

  He looked thoughtful for a moment. "Oh, you must mean Libby."

  "Green eyes?" I queried.

  He nodded, scratching his beard. "Yes, she was my wife's familiar.”

  Hallelujah.

  “Can I offer you a light refreshment?” he asked. “Maybe a cup of tea or coffee? I think I have sugar left, though I haven’t been paying close attention.“

  Observing the state of the place, I didn’t think Montague was paying close attention to much of anything these days. I was hesitant to accept food or drink from the wizard, no matter how sweet he seemed.

  "Have you been drinking again, Montague?" Deputy Bolan asked.

  Montague didn't react. "What I do in the privacy of my own home is my business."

  I followed the leprechaun’s gaze and realized why he’d asked the question. Peeking out from the kitchen counter were several empty bottles of ale.

  "Where’s your wife, Montague?" I asked.

  He met my inquisitive gaze. "Dead. Seven years next month.”

  "I'm sorry," I said. "I didn't realize." I thought maybe she had just gone away to visit a relative or something. There seemed to be a woman's touch beneath the clutter. In fact, women's shoes were visible underneath the settee. I didn't dare ask if they were Montague's.

  “Who are you?” he asked me. “I don’t recognize you.”

  “I’m Ember Rose,” I said. “I’m helping out the deputy.”

  “Rose,” he repeated. “One of the Roses?”

  “I guess you’ve missed all the coven events that mentioned my arrival.”

  “I’m sure I have. I rarely socialize anymore. The coven brings back too many memories of my wife.” He lowered his head. “She was very active in the coven. Served as the Bard before Camille.”

  “You’re not missing much,” I said. “Lots of financial reports on fundraisers.” I pretended to yawn.

  "So what's this visit for?" Montague asked. "Have you brought me a pamphlet? Come to tell me about a meeting I can join? Don't bother. I've heard it all before."

  Deputy Bolan perched on the arm of the sofa. I guess he liked to remain as high as possible given his short stature. I took his cue and sat on the settee.

  "We’d just like to follow up with you on your recent arrest," the deputy said. "We were wondering why the sheriff charged you with practicing magic without a permit instead of drunk and disorderly."

  Montague smoothed his beard. "The sheriff didn't tell you?"

  "He's incommunicado at the moment," Deputy Bolan replied. I could understand why he wasn't willing to say more. The last thing we needed was the whole town freaking out because the sheriff was incapacitated.

  “Sheriff Nash was being kind," Montague said. "If he’d charged me with drunk and disorderly, it would have been my third offense this year. There would have been more serious consequences than a slap on the wrist.”

  "What kind of magic were you practicing at the fountain at two in the morning?" I asked.
/>   “A transformation spell," he replied.

  Deputy Bolan and I exchanged looks. It could have been a transformation spell rather than a nightmare curse that changed the sheriff into his wolf form.

  "What were you trying to transform?" the deputy asked.

  Montague studied the carpet fibers. “The statues. The ones in the fountain."

  "The ones that move?" I queried. Marley and I had noticed them from the sky during our broomstick tour when we first moved to town.

  He nodded. "I thought that if I could change at least one of them into human form, I could have a few hours of companionship."

  "You were trying to turn them into humans?" I asked. "Is that even possible?"

  The older wizard shrugged. "Don't know. I was drunk enough to try, though. I was a talented wizard once upon a time."

  A calico paw popped out from beneath the sofa.

  "Does she ever come out from under there?" I asked.

  Montague glanced at the roving paw. "On occasion. She misses my wife.” He heaved a sigh. “So do I."

  My morning latte from the Caffeinated Cauldron worked its way through my system faster than normal. “Excuse me. Do you mind if I use your bathroom?"

  Montague motioned with his hand. "Down the hall. Second door on the left."

  I hurried down the hall, noting the framed photographs that hung on the wall. Montague and his wife enjoying various vacations. Both smiling happily for the camera. Fixed points in time when they didn't know it would come to an abrupt end. I understood his pain.

  I slipped into the bathroom and the first thing I noticed was the presence of women's perfume on the shelf above the towel rail. There was also a woman's robe hanging on the back of the door and a second toothbrush on the sink. Why was Montague looking for a companion when he clearly already had one? The bathroom was surprisingly clean for a room with so much clutter. It had to be magic. Based on Montague’s depressed state, I highly doubted he bothered with a toilet brush.

  I finished quickly in the bathroom and returned to the living area. Libby was now stretched out beneath the sofa, her bottom half still hidden from view. She was slowly getting used to us.