Curse of the Witch

by K E O'Connor

  “We found Caprice in the forest this evening, hanging from a tree.”

  Tilly choked on her pie as she dropped her spoon. “Suicide?”

  “It looked like it at first, but whoever put her there did a lousy job of covering their tracks. She was killed the same way as Bastille. The hanging was a cover. I’m no forensic expert, but I only needed to look for a minute before I spotted something was wrong with how Caprice died.”

  “I’m so sorry to hear that. Who did this?” Tilly sipped her coffee.

  “I can’t figure it out.” I shook my head. “But I don’t believe Caprice killed Bastille. What concerns me is that someone could be picking off Auntie Queenie’s old biker gang one at a time, but I don’t know why.”

  Tilly’s brow furrowed. “Tempest, this is worrying. Does Queenie know?”

  “I can’t face telling her, not yet. I’m still in shock, but it won’t be long before word spreads, so I’ll have to see her soon and break the news. I’ll do it first thing in the morning.”

  Tilly’s mouth twisted to the side. “Could Queenie be at risk?”

  I jerked back in my seat. “The killer wouldn’t dare try anything with Auntie Queenie.”

  “I’m sure you’re right. She’s one tough cookie. If anyone did try anything, they’d be sorry.”

  “She’s safe for now. Uncle Kenny and Mom are with her in the house.” Even so, with this concern added to my list, I had to decide on my next move and fast. No one went after a member of my family and got away with it.

  I cut a piece of my pie and ate it. This was just what I needed, a friend, great food, and strong coffee to help get my thoughts in order.

  “There is one thing playing on my mind. Caprice lied about her alibi. She said she was in her room the night of Bastille’s murder.”

  Tilly jabbed her spoon at me. “I can tell you straight up that’s wrong. I was clearing up late that night. I’d had a private party in for a fiftieth birthday celebration. They were late leaving, which I didn’t mind, they spent a lot of money on after-dinner drinks. I was clearing the last table when I saw somebody walk past. It was Caprice.”

  I sat up straight. “Was she alone?”

  “She was. I almost went out after her because I thought she looked in pain. She was clutching her stomach. At first, I thought it must be cramps but then remembered Caprice is a bit old for cramps.”

  “Caprice didn’t mention feeling unwell when we had the party in the forest. Maybe it was something she ate.”

  “Whatever it was, perhaps she thought fresh air would make her feel better. Caprice could have forgotten she went for a walk that night, what with the shock of Bastille’s murder.”

  “Or she was worried she’d be taken in for questioning. Caprice went out alone and had no alibi. It looks suspicious. Now, I can’t get any answers from Caprice about what she was doing that night.”

  “If it wasn’t Caprice, who do you think killed Bastille?”

  “Everyone has an alibi. We’ll have to start over and figure out where people were when Caprice died. I must speak to Auntie Queenie as well. Maybe she’ll remember an old enemy who’s out for revenge. Someone we’ve overlooked.”

  “But why now?” Tilly asked. “Why has this mysterious enemy resurfaced after such a long time?”

  “If there even is one.” I raised my hands, feeling exasperated. I felt like I was clutching at straws, and those straws kept slipping through my fingers.

  Tilly smiled. “More pie?”

  “Not for me,” I said.

  “Yes, please,” Wiggles said.

  “One piece is enough for a little guy like you.” Tilly scooped up the empty plates and sat them on the counter.

  “I need my strength to help fight crime,” Wiggles said, his hopeful gaze on the empty plates.

  “You’ve got plenty of reserves.” Tilly poked his belly. “You live off that for a while.”

  I fiddled with my mug of coffee. “There’s also another mystery I need your help with. It’s not related to these murders.”

  Tilly turned from the counter. “What’s that?”

  “Toby Matlock, what do you know about him and Samantha? I’ve learned they used to date. I think they might still have some sort of relationship.”

  “Samantha and Toby!” Tilly returned to her seat, a mischievous look on her face. “I thought Toby liked his women much younger these days.”

  I narrowed my eyes. “What do you know about Toby’s dating situation?” I didn’t know how widely Aurora had shared her secret relationship and wasn’t going to reveal anything.

  Tilly smiled. “I don’t want to get anybody in trouble, but I’ve seen Toby with a younger woman. She’s very pretty and extremely sweet. We both know her.”

  I tilted my head. “Is she a local business owner whom I’m related to?”

  “You do know about Toby and Aurora!” Tilly smacked the back of my hand. “I’ve been desperate to say something but didn’t know how hush hush their relationship is.”

  “It’s very hush hush,” I said. “No one else in the family knows. How did you find out?”

  “They were very discreet when I saw them together. If I didn’t know your sister so well, I’d think she was just being friendly to Toby, but it was the way he touched her arm and gazed at her. I knew then something was going on between them. They’re really in a relationship?”

  “They are.” I pressed a finger to my lips. “Don’t say anything to anybody else.”

  “But that guy’s ancient. He’s old enough to be my father.”

  “The age thing isn’t even the biggest issue. There’s something off about Toby.” I recounted my recent meeting with him and what he did to me.

  Tilly was horrified. “You’re right to be concerned if he’s misusing his power. Toby will be in big trouble if he gets found out, even more so if you think he’s seeing Samantha behind your sister’s back.”

  “I don’t know that for definite, but their stories are different. I’m concerned something happened between them that night. If that’s the case, then Toby’s cheating on Aurora. Aurora should know, but I don’t think she’ll listen to me.”

  “And, not forgetting, Toby used powerful magic on you without your consent,” Tilly said. “Aurora isn’t worried about that?”

  “She’s too love-struck to be worried. She can’t see a flaw in Toby. Aurora also thinks he’s much younger than he is.” I swirled the last of my coffee around. “What if he’s using magic on Aurora to make her think he’s this amazing guy? He could be influencing her mind so she becomes besotted with him.”

  “When I saw them together, Aurora seemed genuinely interested. She was laughing and smiling. I’ve never seen her so happy with a guy. I’ll admit it’s weird and a bit gross to be going out with someone that old, but opposites attract. Your sister is lovely, and Toby is a rich, older guy who can show her the world if that’s what she wants.”

  “I’m not buying it. He’s a creep, and I won’t be happy until he’s far away from Aurora.”

  “Be careful, Tempest,” Tilly said. “If your sister is as crazy about him as she sounds, you risk driving her away if you say anything against Toby. You know what it’s like when you’re in love. It doesn’t matter what anybody says, you only see the good things. So, tread carefully.”

  “I’ve already put my foot in it,” I said. “I do owe Aurora an apology. But Toby’s still not having her.”

  Tilly tilted her head from side to side. “Have you thought about setting Frank on him?”

  I laughed. “For once, you and Frank are in agreement. He suggested that himself. He thought it would be fun to pay Toby a visit and pound the truth out of him.”

  “It’s not a terrible idea,” Tilly said. “Although, just some scaring rather than any physical violence. I’m not a fan of Toby Matlock, and his ability gives me the shivers. If he’s manipulating your sister, it has to be stopped.”

  I leaned back in my seat as I finished my coffee.


  It felt like there were too many puzzles and problems to solve, and I had no way to sort any of them.

  Chapter 17

  I was up uncharacteristically early the next day.

  I left Wiggles sleeping on my bed and headed to Angel Force. I waited a few moments in the reception until Dazielle came through.

  “Any news on Caprice?” I asked.

  “Nothing good,” Dazielle said. “Your suspicions were right. Once we’d examined the body, there were clear burn marks. They were more discreet than the ones we found on Bastille.”

  “Because the real killer tried to make Caprice’s murder look like a suicide. Whoever it is used Caprice as a fall girl.”

  “That’s what we’re thinking,” Dazielle said. “The killer must have waited for Caprice to be released after we questioned her. They pounced as soon as she got back to the hotel.”

  “Have you checked with Tabitha? Did she see anyone lurking around or watching the hotel?”

  “She didn’t see anything odd,” Dazielle said. “But it wouldn’t have been hard for someone to sneak in and attack Caprice.”

  “But not so easy to take her to the forest. They’d have had to carry her body.”

  “Unless they forced her using magic,” Dazielle said.

  “Caprice was an elemental witch. It would have taken a powerful magic user to bring her down without a struggle.”

  “There were signs of a fight in her room.”

  “Yes, that I spotted. Before you did.”

  Dazielle arched an eyebrow. “Congratulations. We also found Caprice’s suitcase in the forest. It was hidden under a bush.”

  “The killer took some of her things to make it look like she was leaving but then changed their mind?”

  “Or they wanted to complicate matters. If Fallon hadn’t found Caprice in the woods, we’d have been searching elsewhere.”

  I nodded. “Giving the actual killer time to escape.”

  “That could be true.”

  “I don’t think Caprice was killed in her room. We’d have detected the smell of burning. I reckon the killer knocked her out, which explains the struggle in the room, cloaked them both, and took Caprice into the forest to kill her, where there’d be no interruptions.”

  “That’s possible,” Dazielle said.

  “But they didn’t do a great job,” I said.

  “Agreed, it was an amateur job. Possibly an opportunistic killing. We’re going to speak to everyone again to see what they know.” Dazielle tilted her head. “And, as a courtesy, I’ll let you know we will be talking to Queenie. She has an alibi for the first murder, but we need to know where she was when Caprice was killed.”

  I gritted my teeth and nodded. “I won’t stand in your way. Somebody saw something. There are other guests in the hotel, and they could have seen someone go to Caprice’s room.”

  Dazielle shuffled the papers on the reception desk. “You’re being surprisingly cooperative.”

  “So are you. You could have told me nothing about Caprice.”

  Dazielle raised a hand as if to pat my arm but then scratched her wing instead. “I understand this is difficult for you. People you know and care about are dying.”

  “And you don’t think I’m doing the killing?”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Don’t push your luck. My sympathy has an expiry date.”

  I shrugged. I did appreciate her letting me know what the angels were doing. “You’re not forbidding me from seeing Auntie Queenie?”

  “No. I would ask that you don’t discuss our investigations, but I’ll be wasting my breath. Just be discreet. We’re still looking for a killer.”

  “Will do.” I nodded goodbye and headed to Mom’s house. I needed to get to Auntie Queenie before the angels did and let her know what happened to Caprice. As usual, the front door was open.

  I slowed as I walked into the hallway. There were hushed voices coming from the kitchen. I recognized Auntie Queenie, and I was pretty sure the other person was Lila.

  “We can’t mention this to anybody just yet,” Auntie Queenie said.

  “I think we should. This could be the reason we’re being targeted.” Lila’s tone was tense. “I’ve been feeling terrible recently, and nothing is helping.”

  “You’re not as bad as Bastille was. She got the brunt of that foul magic.”

  I inched closer to the kitchen door. What were they talking about?

  “I wasn’t far away from her,” Lila said. “It took me several months before I could even get back on my feet.”

  “I’ve got something to fix you up if you’re not feeling so good,” Auntie Queenie said.

  I didn’t know Lila was also sick. It seemed like every member of the gang had some kind of ailment.

  “We should share this information with the angels,” Lila said. “If we give them this book, they might help.”

  “Help how? They can’t undo the magic, and we can’t go accusing anyone on the Magic Council of coming after us.”

  My eyebrows shot up. The Magic Council was after Auntie Queenie and her friends? What for?

  “I’m worried,” Lila said. “This feels serious. Whoever is doing this means business. What if they don’t stop until they’ve wiped us all out?”

  “It won’t come to that. Let’s get some fresh herbs from the garden for your tonic,” Auntie Queenie said. “Until we know more, we can’t do anything. If we tell the angels our concerns, they’ll flap around and have no idea what to do. It’ll only make it worse. We don’t need them to know about our pasts. They might lock us up if they do.”

  Their pasts? What had they done that was so bad the angels would put them behind bars?

  I waited until I heard them leave the kitchen through the back door and hurried into the room. Sitting on the table was a small black book. I flipped it open. There were dates and details of different magical items, their side-effects, and a power listed against each one. The pages were old, and several were stained. I had no idea what I was looking at.

  Whatever it was, it sounded like it had gotten Auntie Queenie and her former biker babes into trouble with the Magic Council.

  The Magic Council generally kept to themselves. They ran the administrative side of magic. They issued laws regarding magic use, monitored infringements, and used their significant influence to curb dangerous magic and ensure the checks and balances were in place so nobody became too powerful.

  I turned the page of the book and trailed my finger down it. This had all kinds of magic listed but not the names of the item or spell. All of it sounded powerful and a little warped. There were initials next to an item that could turn you mad, another set of initials listing a power that forced a person to speak the truth, and something that compelled a person to do anything you commanded them.

  This could just be a record of all the magic the gang had access to over the years, but it sounded like something else was going on. Something that involved deadly spells and curses.

  I continued to read. From the details in the book, it looked as if this magic was tested to see how effective it was and what harm it did. The side-effects were listed, and there was a color next to each spell. A red, amber, or green dot.

  “What does this mean?” I muttered to myself as I sifted through the pages, looking for an explanation of the code.

  “The code means safe, be careful, and destroy at once.” Auntie Queenie stood in the door leading out to the garden. Lila was next to her.

  I shut the book swiftly. I’d been so engrossed I hadn’t heard them come back. “What’s this about?”

  Auntie Queenie rubbed her forehead as she placed the herbs she’d collected onto the table. “Here’s a tricky thing. What can we tell you?” She glanced at Lila.

  Lila pressed her lips together and nodded. “Tempest is involved. She might be able to help.”

  “Help with what?”

  “Sit down both of you. I’ll make this tonic,” Auntie Queenie said.

  Lila sank gratefully in
to a seat. She looked pale, and there was a gray tinge to her skin. It could be because of the shock of recent events, but I had a feeling it was more than that.

  “If you’re here to tell us about Caprice, we already know.” Auntie Queenie swiftly chopped the herbs and placed them in a pestle before grinding them.

  Lila shook her head. “Terrible news.”

  “Oh! Yes, I was coming to tell you that.” In my surprise at finding this mysterious book, I’d forgotten my purpose for visiting. “How did you find out?”

  “I was in the bakery late yesterday. Patti saw the angels fly to the forest. The rumor mill got going before the day was out.” Auntie Queenie paused to dab her eyes. “We still can’t believe it. Another sister has fallen.”

  Guilt filtered through me. It was a lousy way to find out. “Sorry, I should have told you as soon as I knew.”

  Auntie Queenie patted my hand as she sniffed back tears. “I understand. You’re figuring this out. You’ve got a lot going on. What do the angels think happened?”

  “It wasn’t a suicide. It’s the same person who killed Bastille. I’m almost certain.”

  Lila’s hands fluttered to her chest. “I knew it. They’re after us.”

  I waited a minute for either of them to elaborate on what that meant, but neither spoke. “Auntie, what’s going on? Who’s after you, and what does it have to do with this book?”

  “The book is a record.” Auntie Queenie tipped the herbs into a mug, poured hot water over them, sprinkled in some magic powder, and handed the mug to Lila. “Drink that and you’ll get color back in those cheeks.”

  Lila nodded and took a sip. “Thanks, it’s just what I need.”

  Auntie Queenie finally sat at the table and clasped her hands together. “You know I was part of the Dead Tree Witch gang.”

  “Of course, you all were.”

  “I’ve always talked about the gang as if it was a bit of fun. A chance for me to hang out with my friends, ride around on fancy bikes, and enjoy ourselves.” She glanced at Lila. “It was a bit more than that. When you get such powerful magic users together, you can do impressive things.”

  I nodded. Everyone knew that a coven of witches could share power and strengthen a spell when they worked together. “What sort of things did you do?”