Sweet Tooth and Claw

by K A Miltimore

  "Anything else?" The Master said, sharply, eyes still fixed on his vellum.

  "Only that the caller mentioned that Magnon is in a town in Washington state, visiting a friend." The Master turned his gaze to him and he stood very still, showing no fear. Would he be pleased by the news? They had been looking for Magnon for weeks. Ever since the last full moon.

  "Phillipe, that is worthy of interruption. Thank you. You may go. Send word to our friend to come by the house. I wish to learn more of this call from Michael Syon." Phillipe bowed and backed from the study, relief apparent on his face though the old man never looked up to see it.

  Alphonse Constant rolled up the vellum and tied it with the leather strap. Now that Magnon had been found, he had other matters to attend to. It would be time to summon the Lich. The ritual took much preparation and he did not want to miss the opportunity to find Magnon and punish him. He would have to summon and send the creature with all haste to whatever little town Magnon was hiding in.

  Chapter Ten

  It was a good thing that Mel was an excellent student or she might have felt overwhelmed. Though technically finishing her senior year, her coursework was light but still she had deadlines to meet. Add to that all the reading that Helen had assigned to her, and Mel wondered if she would be able to get it all done. She had promised Thana they would meet up to review the assigned books and go over their notes and it was almost time. Mel was skimming through the last book, jotting down herbs from a long list, when the phone rang. It was Ana.

  For a flickering second, Mel thought about letting the call go to voicemail. She had so much to get done, surely Ana wouldn't mind if she called her back later. Her finger was poised to slide the "ignore" button but she couldn't do it. It might be something important and anyway, it was Ana.

  "Hey there, how are you?" Mel said, cradling the phone against her shoulder as she continued to flip through the pages in the book. She only had about twenty minutes to get everything ready and to leave to meet up with Thana.

  "Mel, hello. I'm glad you were available to talk. You are always so busy, I wasn't sure you would be." Ana said and Mel felt a stab of guilt.

  "Busy, sure, but never too busy to talk with you. What's up?" Mel said, keeping her voice light. She hoped Ana was just calling because she missed her.

  "I thought maybe you could come to Seattle and we could have dinner tonight? I know you don't like to drive downtown but it would be nice to have an evening together and I found some interesting shops here in the U District that I know you'll want to check out. What do you think?" Ana said, her voice sounding hopeful through the cell phone. Mel's stab of guilt was now a wave.

  "Oh, sweetie, I wish I could. There is just no way I could do that tonight - I have to prep for some group work, and by the time I would get into the city, we'd only have a couple of hours before I would have to head back. We should plan this for the weekend instead. Does that work?" Mel replied, pausing for Ana's response but hearing nothing.

  "Ana, are you there?"

  "Yes, I'm here. I know it was a last minute idea, but I'm disappointed, Mel. Seems like every time I turn around, you are tied up with the coven and we can't spend time together. It is...frustrating." Mel heard the start of the same old discussion and her guard instantly went up. Why did every conversation seem to end up talking about the coven?

  "Ana, I don't think you are being a hundred percent fair about this. Yes, I do have stuff to do tonight and it has to do with the coven. I also have some school work to finish and Hedy asked if I could come in early tomorrow, so that is part of it as well. I know you don't approve of the coven, Ana, but I wish you would be a little more understanding about it all. You know I want to spend time with you and soon, we'll see each other every day." Mel hoped Ana didn't hear the tightness in her own voice.

  "Alright, Mel. I understand. It was a last minute idea and I should have guessed that you already had plans. I'm sorry - I am not trying to pressure you, really. I just want to spend time with you and be part of your life. So tell me, what's the coven up to tonight?" Ana said.

  "Tonight, I am finishing up the assignment from Helen and meeting up with Thana to go over our notes. We are meeting up in just a little bit actually, over at Hedy's." Even as the words came out of her mouth, Mel wondered if she had made a mistake telling Ana about the study session. She seemed to dislike Thana, though Ana didn’t seem to like anything related to the coven.

  "I see. Well, I don't want to keep you from your meeting then. I'm sure you will be busy for awhile but...text me later?" Ana's words ended softly and Mel swallowed hard. Maybe her mother was right. Maybe she was missing out on what was right in front of her.

  "Of course, sweetie. It's not like this is some date or anything. You don't have to be jealous." The phone was silent on the other end and Mel wondered if Ana had hung up. After several moments, Ana spoke.

  "I didn't think that it was, Mel. Funny that you thought like that though. I'll talk with you later. Have a good night." Before Mel could respond, Ana had hung up.

  "Damn it." Mel muttered, tossing the phone on her comforter. She'd stuck her foot in her mouth again. Things seemed to be harder with Ana and she couldn't understand why. What had changed from just a few months ago? Mel pushed the question from her mind and jumped up from the bed to get read to leave. She didn't want to keep Thana waiting. She'd have plenty of time later to think about things with Ana.

  ✽✽✽

  It was just getting dark outside, and Hedy wondered if the Director would be coming downstairs soon. Perhaps he had fallen asleep upstairs, though she didn't know if Draugrs even slept. Bren and Louis had joined her in the bakery for awhile and they appeared to be well on their way to friendship after having their night out on the town. The pair had been playing Gin Rummy of all things, using little pretzel sticks as currency for betting. By the look of Bren's pile, he was quite the card player. Hedy was torn on whether to ask them both to leave whenever the Director reappeared. Would having them in the room help or hurt her argument? On the one hand, Bren could speak with the Director about Lyssa. He would certainly speak up as to how dangerous she was, and everything they had done to thwart her. On the other hand, there was Louis. As loving and well-meaning as he was, he was brash and was just as likely to spout off something or call the Director an idiot. Maybe Hedy could send Louis on some kind of errand when the Director came downstairs.

  The front door bell rang and Hedy saw Mel, with Thana close on her heels. Mel had mentioned she would be back later to study. Things were going to get crowded in the bakery.

  "Hey Hedy. We are going to go up to the library to study, if that is okay with you." Mel called out, only pausing for a moment to see Hedy nod her head before the pair headed toward the bramble gate leading upstairs.

  "Hedy, when is the Director coming down? Should we plan out our strategy? I thought Bren could tie him to a chair and I could threaten to claw out his throat. Sound effective?" Louis said, as casual as possible. Only the tiny crinkle at his eyes let her know he was kidding.

  "Perhaps not our best plan, but keep that in your back pocket. I thought the direct approach would be best. I will let him know that it would be fine if he wants to put the waystation on probation, so I can prove that things are safe here for guests. That seems like a reasonable compromise. Bren, I know the Director wants to speak with you about last fall. Louis, maybe you can remind him of the New Orleans house and how they didn't shut things down there, even after Julius' death. Or maybe not. That just puts me in proximity to another dangerous situation and I don't need that." Hedy said, keeping her ears perked for the first sign of movement from the Director's room.

  "Chère, I won't do or say anything to make things harder for you. You know me, I can be sweeter than Tupelo honey when need be." Louis' description of his sweet ways was cut off by the sound of the front door bell. Michael closed the door behind him.

  "Greetings, all. How's my favorite baker and her menagerie this evening?" Michael strod
e into the room, coming up to Hedy quickly to leave a kiss on her cheek. "Bren, Louis, good to see you both."

  "Hello, Michael. Your shop is closed for the night? Seems a bit early." Louis said, he voice sounding innocent but Hedy caught the implication behind the words. What was Michael doing here?

  "Yes, I closed up a little early to check on things here, since the Director was due. Has he arrived?" Michael replied, seemingly oblivious to the light jab.

  "He's upstairs. I suspect he will be down shortly. I'm not sure it makes a good impression to have everyone gathered up to meet with him." Hedy said, puttering with a teapot for something to do with her hands.

  "Nonsense, it shows you have people who believe in you and who aren't afraid to say so. I say a show of force is good. It lets him know you aren't taking this lying down." Michael replied, sounding very confident. Louis caught the small scowl at Bren's lips but Michael's back was to him.

  "It's Hedy's decision, Michael. If she wants us here, then we stay. If she would rather we leave when the Director comes, then we go." Bren said, a touch of steel in his voice. It was a statement not a question.

  "Of course, we do what makes Hedy comfortable. Naturally. But I do think it makes sense to reinforce with the Director, that we, as supernaturals, all are behind Hedy. Surely, our opinions should be considered by the man."

  "I'd say we are just a bit biased, Michael. An old friend and two gentlemen who are clearly fond of Hedy are not exactly neutral in the conversation." Louis chimed in. Michael opened his mouth to reply but then closed it again. From the look on his face, something had just dawned on him.

  "Alright, let's do this. When he comes down, I'll introduce you all. Then, I will ask him to tell us what he needs to discuss in order to make a decision. We'll follow his course. Agreed?" Hedy said, giving the water in the pot a few clockwise swirls, the same motion she had seen Tante do before pouring a cup for a reading.

  "Fair enough." Louis said and Bren nodded his agreement. Michael had yet to say anything. His eyes looked far away from the conversation.

  Hedy had her mouth open to ask Michael if he agreed when the bell rang on the door again. Looking across the room, she spied a face she hadn't seen in over seven years. Delphine Magnon was standing in her entry.

  Chapter Eleven

  Delphie, what in the world are you doing here?" Louis' voice rang out and he was out of his chair and in the entry in a flash. Delphine barely had a chance to set down her bags before he scooped her up in a huge hug. Bren and Michael looked at each other, clearly puzzled.

  "Cousin, I'm here because of you and your disappearing act. But it will be nice to see Hedy as well." Delphine said, pulling herself loose from Louis' bear hug. She stepped into the bakery with a wide smile.

  "It has been so many years, Delphine. It is good to see you." Hedy said, coming around from behind the counter and meeting her old friend in the middle of the room. She didn't know whether to reach out her hand or offer a hug. Delphine made the choice for them both with a warm embrace.

  "Let's not talk age, my friend. I am still telling folks I just turned thirty. But you look as wonderful as ever." Delphine leaned back from the hug to look at Hedy's trademark hairdo and retro clothes. Hedy's hair was still the same white when last they had seen each other in New Orleans; it had never returned to its natural black color after seven years.

  "As do you. Tante's elixirs must be keeping you well because you look lovely, even after traveling all the way here from Louisiana." Hedy admired her friend's long tiny braids, piled in swirl on Delphine's head, and secured with a colorful scarf. Delphine's face was as smooth as ever. She must still be smoking cigarillos; Hedy hadn't smelled Dutch Masters since her days in the Quarter.

  "She sends her love and told me to give Louis a good rashin' for disturbing everyone's peace." Delphine threw Louis a glance, who had returned to his seat, looking angelic.

  "No need for that, Delphie. I haven't done a thing - I have been on my best behavior as these fine folks can attest. There was no need to come looking for me," he said, sounding wounded.

  "Enough of that, Louis. We'll get into all that without airing it in front of company. For now, I'm glad to see you are in one piece." Delphine took the empty chair at the table and plopped down. Before she even had to ask, Hedy had the teacup at her hand.

  "Delphine, I hope you don't mind bunking with me. We have a full house at the moment, but I have plenty of room in the attic. It will be nice to catch up." Delphine took the cup and gave it a sip before responding.

  "Sounds fine with me. I'm sorry for coming unannounced but apparently that runs in the Magnon family."

  "Let me introduce you to my friends. Delphine Magnon, please meet Bren Aldebrand and Michael Syon. Delphine and I know each other from my apprentice days in New Orleans." Hedy said, loading up a plate for anyone who might be interested in cookies with their tea. Both Bren and Michael shook Delphine's hand and murmured their greetings.

  "Well, it is nice to meet you all. I won't be underfoot long. Busy time in the shop, what with Mardi Gras and all. Plenty of tourists need their fortunes told, so I will have to get back soon." Delphine said.

  "Ah, you tell fortunes? That sounds like interesting work." Michael said, chiming in for the first time in awhile.

  "Magnons have been telling fortunes since New Orleans was founded. Delphine is one of the best." Louis piped up, clearly proud of his cousin.

  "Oh, hush now, Louis. Don't go one bragging. It runs in the family so I can't take credit for the skill, but reading the leaves is something I've done all my life." Delphine's voice was easy and friendly, like Louis', and now that they were sitting side by side, anyone could see the family resemblance. Hedy had always admired their closeness.

  "I hope before you leave, you would be willing to give me a reading. I'd love to hear what's in my future, especially in matters of the heart." Michael said and Delphine smiled. Hedy cheeks burned. She didn't know why but it made her feel embarrassed when Michael said things like that.

  From upstairs, Hedy heard a door open. The lack of chatter likely meant it was the Director coming down to join them.

  "That sounds like the Director. Delphine, it is a long story but my waystation is in danger of closing, and I need to convince this man to let me stay open. I'm not sure if he'll want to speak to me alone or not."

  Everyone waited in silence for the Director to appear when Thana appeared in the doorway.

  "Hedy, I think you better come upstairs. Something is happening with Mel."

  Chapter Twelve

  Hedy rushed upstairs, with Thana on her heels. In the library, she found Mel lying on the floor, looking as if she were asleep. The spellbooks were scattered across the little table.

  "What happened, Thana?" Hedy asked, kneeling next to Mel and placing her hand on Mel's forehead. It was cool under her fingertips.

  "We were reviewing our homework from Helen and then Mel said she felt faint. She stood and then then next thing I knew, she crumpled to the floor. I tried to wake her up, but she didn't move." Thana also had knelt and was grasping Mel's hand in her own.

  "Mel, can you hear me? Mel?" Hedy voice reverberated through the room as she watched the slow rise and fall of Mel's chest. For all the world, she looked like she was in a deep sleep.

  "Maybe we should call an ambulance." Thana said, continuing to rub Mel's hand softly.

  "Look, her eyes just fluttered. I think she is waking up." Hedy said, stroking Mel's hair gently. The girl began to stir under her touch. A soft moan came from her closed lips.

  "Uhhh, Hedy? What happened?" Mel's eyes blinked open and she looked at the worried face of Hedy staring at her. She barely registered that Thana was there, holding her hand. Why was she on the floor? What had happened to her?

  "Mel, go slowly, you fainted or something. Just rest for a minute." Hedy pulled the velvet pillow from one of the wooden chairs and placed it under Mel's head.

  "What do you remember?"

  Mel tri
ed to recall exactly what happened. She had been sitting at the table with Thana, reviewing the steps for casting a circle and then she had felt something wash over her. It was prickly and hot, flooding her body in a torrent. She remembered standing up and then she was floating.

  "I had this weird feeling of heat and prickles and then I felt kind of floaty. That must have been when I collapsed on the floor. How long was I down?" Mel asked, looking at both women.

  "Several minutes, but I didn’t check my watch. Once you collapsed, I tried to wake you and then I went down to get Hedy," Thana said, finally letting go of Mel's hand.

  "Do you remember anything else?" Hedy asked, carefully helping Mel as she tried sitting up. She was still a little dizzy and she really needed a glass of water.

  "Yes. I was floating, and the room was still here but everything looked hazy and dark. I could see myself on the floor, like I was hovering over myself. Next to me, also hovering, was someone else. She didn't say her name but it had to be Adelaide. She spoke to me." Mel said.

  "Oh, you must have been dreaming or something, Mel. Don't worry about any of that." Thana said, rising back to her feet.

  "No, it wasn't a dream. She was as real as you are right now. I remember what she said. She was warning me." Mel wanted to leave the library. She needed to get out of the tight space with the lavender scented air, and back downstairs where there was light and space. She started to stand up, letting Hedy help her to her feet.

  "What did Adelaide tell you, Mel?" Hedy said, continuing to hold Mel's arm even after she was up. Mel paused, letting her mind go back to the dark moments when she was floating next to a ghost.

  "She said 'There is a killer in this house. You must warn Hedy.'"

  ✽✽✽