Mandy M. Roth - Magic Under Fire (Over a Dozen Tales of Urban Fantasy)

by Unknown

  Cissie was eerily cheerful, and a stark contrast to Clark, she looked well rested and put together as always.

  "What's with Cissie?" Abbie whispered to Jimmy who'd settled next to her.

  "Dunno," Jimmy ever so eloquent responded.

  They went over everything they'd discussed at the last meeting, and once again decided there wasn't much left to be done.

  Jimmy walked with her to the shop. Abbie could barely contain the news. They walked through the door and she was pelted with a flying scone. Becka screamed "Damn you!" and flung another one at a man who ducked and avoided it. Fast Fay rushed the man and knocked him down. A couple of teenagers held up their cell phones and filmed from their seats. Fugly somehow managed to jump up to the counter and grabbed a scone. Instead of jumping back down, he settled in the display and began to eat it.

  Jimmy pushed Abbie back and hurried to where Fay pounded the guy's chest and screamed.

  He plucked her from the man and told her to stay and be quiet. His voice calm. Then he looked down at the man who lay on the floor, eyes wide and breading in his hair. She recognized him. It was Bart, one of Gary's mechanics. The guy was always spouting at the mouth. He must have said something horrible for the women to be reacting that way.

  Not paying Fay or Bart attention, she went through the office to the back counter and pulled Fugly from the display. There was a chair behind the counter, that's how he'd gotten up there. "What did he say?" She asked Becka.

  "He said women should stay on their back instead of trying to run a business and that my scones sucked. Then he said at least Fay knew her place, always in bed with whoever asked."

  Abbie narrowed her eyes at Bart, who was now standing up and he shrinked backward. "What an ass."

  "Yeah."

  "I don't blame Fay for pounding on him." She noticed tears flowed down Fay's face and she felt bad. "How about some chamomile tea Fay? It will calm you." She motioned for Fay to come and sit. The woman did, looking sad and wilted.

  Becka put a scone in front of her while Abbie poured the tea.

  She turned and took the pastry. She replaced it with one from the oven. She gave Becka a look and flicked her eyes to Fugly. Becka got the message and pulled the half empty tray from the display.

  "Men sleep around, they never get any flack from it either," Becka said pouring coffee into a cup and sitting into the chair behind the counter. "Bart is an ass. Don't listen to him Fay."

  "I'm leaving town." Fay sniffed and wiped her eyes smearing mascara across her face. Abbie handed her an extra napkin. "Thanks, sorry I spread a rumor about you watching Logan get naked."

  Abbie and Becka exchanged a look. She'd referred to Logan with familiarity. Abbie felt bad thinking the worse and looked back to Fay. "No big deal."

  "It pissed me off that after we got together he asked you out," she said and then glanced over her shoulder to see if Bart overheard. He'd not, was busy being escorted out the door by Jimmy.

  "You slept with Logan Porter?" Becka leaned closer with a wide smile. "Is he good?"

  "Becka!" Abbie pushed at her friend's shoulder. "We need to clean up and not be gossiping. Fay is upset enough."

  "Nah, it's okay," Fay said and smiled at Becka. "Yeah he's great."

  "I knew it." Becka grinned and grabbed a broom and dustpan. "He has that look."

  "Sorry ladies. Bart won't be bothering you again." Jimmy looked to Fay. "He could have pressed assault charges. Next time walk away. He's an idiot."

  Fay frowned but nodded.

  He cocked his head to the side as his radio sounded and then winked and waved at Abbie. "Gotta go."

  "We have something to show you," Becka stopped sweeping and blocked Jimmy from leaving.

  "It'll have to wait. Car accident." He left.

  "WE'RE SITTING her on evidence and can't show it and stop the thief. This sucks." Abbie flipped the sign on the front door to “Closed”.

  "Let's go over there and confront the thief," Becka suggested. "I bet that will put a stop to it."

  "We'll impede the investigation. They won't be able to make an arrest if we get all the stuff back and the thief is tipped off."

  Becka slumped. "True." She sniffed the air. "What is that smell? Did you bring pot roast?"

  "Yeah I bought some for Fugly. With everything going on, I forgot to tell Cissie he's here."

  They both looked at the dog that slept soundly on the office chair. "You should keep him," Becka said. "He likes you."

  SHE OPENED the front door of her house to find Jimmy standing there with a pizza box and a six-pack. He frowned when Fugly jumped up and down bouncing off his leg. "Why is the dog here?"

  "I'm adopting him. Cissie can't keep him, he keep running away to me." Her shoulders rounded. “I think he’s adopting me as my familiar.”

  “Hmmm,” Jimmy frowned. “Let Cissie know.”

  They settled onto the couch, Jimmy turned the television to Nascar. Fugly was entertained with a piece of pizza crust. They ate the pizza and snuggled. While he watched the race, she nibbled at his neck and ear. It was only ten minutes before they were in her bedroom, the door firmly closed to keep Fugly out.

  HALF AN HOUR LATER, she snuggled against Jimmy with her head on his chest, making lazy circles on his chest. "What should I name him?"

  "The dog?" Jimmy sounded relaxed. "How about annoying?"

  The scratches at the door had finally stopped, but she sensed Fugly lay on the other side of the door.

  "How about Runner?"

  "Sounds good," Jimmy turned to her and pulled her against him. He was ready to go again. He kissed her. "Or Thief."

  She pushed him away. "How could I forget? I know who the thief is."

  "Me too," Jimmy pulled her back and began kissing her neck.

  "What?" She pulled back. "Why didn't you say anything?"

  He stared at her. "I'll share, but you'll have to keep it a secret." His head disappeared under the blankets.

  "Oh! Okay, well it can wait I suppose."

  MRS. GRUNDY TRUDGED into the teashop the next morning. Abbie and Becka watched silently as she threw her bag on a table and surveyed the front door. "It's tacky," she mumbled and turned to them. "I need something for my nerves. Everyone is out to annoy me today."

  "How so?" Abbie asked as she measured an herbal mix into a tea infuser. "Have you considered maybe you should try to be friendlier?"

  The old woman glared at her. "Why the hell should I do that? No one appreciates my expertise. They are allowing all this tackiness on storefronts and houses."

  "It looked nicer before someone stole our centerpieces and tablecloths," Becka protested. "And we've gotten compliments everyday since we decorated. I think it's a matter of taste." She eyed the woman's multicolored caftan and purple shoes. "Different strokes."

  Mrs. Grundy huffed and pointed at a scone. "How old are these?"

  Logan Porter walked in carrying a box and Abbie couldn't help seeing him with new eyes after what Fay shared. He wore scrubs and somehow managed to make them sexy. He gave them a crooked grin and both she and Becka inhaled. "Wowza." Becka said under her breath.

  "Hello Dr. Porter. How are you?" Abbie smiled.

  He bobbed his head up and down. "Great. I brought this for y'all, thought you could use it. My grandmother gave me all this pretty china." He lifted the box onto the counter.

  In the box were beautiful delicate cups, saucers and teapots. Both she and Becka dove in, oohing and aahing over the contents.

  "Let me see," Mrs. Grundy shoved Logan aside and peered in, her eyes scanning the contents. "Why would you give it away? You can sell it next door at the consignment store."

  He shrugged. "I thought it would look nice here. Everyone can see it."

  "Hmpf," Mrs. Grundy said and shook her head. "People are so stupid." She shuffled out the door without paying.

  "I can't believe he refused payment and just wants us to have it." Abbie inspected a teapot with dainty pink and yellow roses. "These are beaut
iful."

  Becka held a cup and saucer that matched. "By the way he eyeballs you, I'd say he's hoping for another chance."

  "He is good-looking. But I'm a one man woman." Abbie considered what to think of how easily she and Jimmy had fallen into an easygoing relationship.

  They watched people walk by just as it started to drizzle. The rain would bring customers in and they'd yet to discuss the video and what Jimmy had told Abbie. Yes she'd promised not to share, but Becka didn't count. "Jimmy knows who the thief is, but he can't do anything about it. Some stupid thing about probable cause. No one has seen her drag anything away from a scene or into her house."

  "Well shit," Becka exclaimed. "What about our video?"

  "He said it wasn't admissible."

  "But she won't know that. I think it can work."

  "It might if used right."

  ABBIE DROVE to a side street and got out of her car. She pulled Fugly out and snapped a leash to his collar. The little dog pranced proudly as they made their way down the sidewalk. She lifted her cell phone and scanned the yards until focusing on the one she was interested in.

  "I think you're crazy to do this. Jimmy is going to kill you," Becka's face appeared on the screen. "That woman is crazy, she might shoot you."

  "She won't."

  THE COMMITTEE MET in the conference room at three o'clock sharp. Everyone looked around in expectation waiting for the surprise Abbie had promised.

  When Mrs. Grundy, Jimmy and Becka entered, they looked to Abbie with questioning glances.

  "I'm glad you've realized this entire fiasco will flop without me," Mrs. Grundy said and plucked a scone from the tray next to the door. "Not sure I can help this late in the game." She shoved a chair away and then sat down.

  There was utter silence as everyone stared at Abbie. "All right," she exclaimed brightly. "Lets get this show on the road." She looked to Becka who sat forward and Jimmy who scowled.

  "I have a short film to show you before we make a decision about Whisper day." She nodded to Becka who flipped open her laptop and then flicked the lights off. On the screen the front of the teashop appeared. A figure came into view and took the centerpieces off the tables and then the tablecloths and ribbons. Next Fugly appeared as he walked through a familiar gate. The little dog stopped to scratch making the camera jiggle up and down making the viewers dizzy. He trotted around the side of the house where there was a screened in porch. In the porch were a mailbox, Abbie's wreath and doormat along with the rest of the stolen goods, which had not been returned yet.

  Gasps sounded followed by the sound of a chair falling. The lights came on and everyone blinked at the sudden brightness. Jimmy held Mrs. Grundy by the door.

  "You took everything?" Julie Milton stared bug-eyed at the old woman who pushed at Jimmy.

  "It's a set up." She said and glared at Abbie. "You can't prove someone didn't set me up."

  "You're wrong," Jimmy told her. "You've been under surveillance. I have enough evidence to arrest you."

  The woman paled, her mouth fell open. "Oh." She recovered quickly and glared at the people in the room. "I wanted to prove how wrong you were to not have me on the committee and how easy it is to fail. One person brought you down and now you can't have it. The town is crumpling with fear." She held up a fist as Jimmy escorted her out of the room.

  EPILOGUE

  T he sounds of folk music wafted through the open door of the teashop as a duo sang and played guitars on the stage outside in front of the shop. Streamers flew from every light pole in a colorful mixture of purple, yellow and green. There were varying stands selling everything from pottery to jewelry, clothing, quilts and candy. People sat on lawn chairs watching the entertainment or mingled in groups from stand to stand. Children ran in circles around a bubble station while the older ones strolled in pretend nonchalance.

  The teashop was crowded, patrons mingling taking a respite from the sun and noise. Abbie and Becka had setup large dispensers of lemon and cucumber water outside. Inside they served iced versions of the different teas along with scone sundaes. Everything was a huge hit.

  It was Sunday, the last day of the Whisper festival and everything had gone perfectly. The decorations all returned, every storefront had done an amazing job of using the color scheme to decorate. Although the thief was caught, they'd still hired the Ortega brothers who continued to patrol wearing not only their wrestling masks, but also matching capes, speedos and boots. Much to the delight of children and horror of adults as the Ortega's sported wedgies from time to time.

  Jimmy walked in and accepted a cold drink. He guzzled it and then held it out for a refill.

  "I can't believe Mrs. Grundy got away with community service," Becka told him. "She deserves hard time."

  "Too old, the judge took pity," Jimmy replied.

  "Peter is her nephew. He couldn't send her to jail," Abbie said referring to said judge.

  "He wanted to. From what I hear, she always pinched his ears. He hates her. But his mama called him and said he couldn't send her to jail."

  "She's horrible," Abbie agreed. "Where is she now?"

  Jimmy let out a breath. "Manning the lost and found booth."

  They all laughed at the poor visitors who had no idea what they faced. The local folks would rather not find the stuff than go to her."

  "Better get back out there. It's almost over, just three more hours."

  "I'm exhausted," Abbie pronounced. "I'm glad we're closed tomorrow and Tuesday, I plan on doing nothing at all."

  Becka nodded. "Me too. I'm binge watching television."

  "Good idea," Abbie agreed. "Fugly and I are going to stay in bed and watch television." She'd decided the name fit and he answered to it.

  "He's joining us?" Jimmy asked with a frown. "That dog is annoying."

  "Us?" Abbie asked. "I thought you were going on a fishing trip."

  "Nope." The wordsmith walked out.

  "He's got it bad for you," Becka said. "I sense a proposal coming."

  Her stomach fluttered and she grinned like a goofball. "You think?"

  "Yep, I'm sure. I sense these things."

  Abbie sighed and looked into the office where the little ugly dog chewed on a rawhide.

  It was a good day.

  A CHARMING DEATH (DO US PART)

  A MAGICAL CURE MYSTERY SHORT STORY

  TONYA KAPPES

  June Heal and Oscar Park's upcoming nuptials are sending the Dark Sider and Good Sider spiritual in a tail spin on this All Hallow's Eve wedding celebration. Aunt Helena wants June to have a Good Sider ceremony, while Aunt Eloise wants Oscar to have a Dark Sider ceremony.

  This book is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogue are drawn from the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Copyright © 2015 by Tonya Kappes. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. For information address Author Tonya Kappes, P.O. Box 176988, Ft. Mitchell, Ky. 41017

  Created with Vellum

  1

  Something slightly sinister was in the air. Hanging over the village like a heavy fog. Normally, I would’ve blamed it on the upcoming All Hallows’ Eve celebration, but I knew better.

  This morning was different than most mornings in Whispering Falls. The sky told me. The breeze lifted the leaves on the trees, swaying back and forth, whistling as they swung. A few of the dead leaves danced in circles in the middle of the street before dispersing.

  The steps in front of my shop, A CHARMING CURE, were still wet from the morning dew. Bursts of smell from the morning incense cleansing ritual popped around me as I noted the shadows of the incense smoke looked like stalking cats.

  If I didn’t know better, I’d have thought Eloise Sandlewood had used
a different cleansing palette this morning rather than her normal bouquet of fragrance. And I wouldn’t have put it past her.

  “No, she isn’t.” Aunt Helena’s voice shook the windows from inside my shop. Her mood veered sharply to anger. I had taken solace from the feuding aunts on the outside steps of my shop.

  “They,” Eloise shot back, emphasizing they in her temper flare up. “They will as the powers of be say it shall.”

  “Shall my . . .my. . .my,” Aunt Helena stuttered.

  “I hear they are still not in agreement?” Isadora Solstice, Izzy for short, stood at the end of the walkway near the ornamental gate of my shop. Her long blond hair swooped to the side over her thin shoulders, draping down her black blouse that was neatly tucked into a black A-line skirt that hit below her knees. Where her skirt ended, her tall black pointy lace-up boots began.

  The heels of her boots clicked on the sidewalk as she hurried through the tunnel of dripping wisteria vine hanging from the trellis.

  “What is it they are fussing over?” Her long thin hand drew up to her face as she leaned toward the door behind me.

  “I’m telling you right now.” Eloise’s words had a bite. “My best friend was Darla Heal. Darla would’ve wanted June to have the Dark-Sider blessing!”

  “Of course she did.” Aunt Helena had a powerful, vigorous voice. “Darla Heal wasn’t a spiritualist. She didn’t know the importance of a spiritualist union! Especially since our families come from opposite ends of the chain!”

  I shook my head from side to side, letting the edges of my black bobbed haircut hit the tip of my nose. I could just imagine what was going to happen if I didn’t stop this nonsense right here, right now.