A strange sound shifted my attention to the corner of the room. Raoul stood on one of the platforms of the scratching post, intent on digging his claws into the plush carpet.
“Do you mind?” I said.
The raccoon gave me a guilty look. I wasn’t spying on you. I just really needed to file this nail. It was crooked and driving me nuts.
Stop being a pervert.
I think I should escort you to the meeting. If any animals give you a hard time, I’ll deal with them.
“It’s the woods in Starry Hollow,” I said. “It’s not like we have lions or bears.”
No, but we have shifters that can fit that description.
“Fine. You can escort me, but you have to wait outside the cave. No one can know you came with me.”
Deal.
We left the cottage and I ran through the woods at a rapid clip—not too fast, though. I didn’t want to arrive at the meeting all sweaty with my hair plastered to my forehead. I kept the red hood on to prevent the wind from giving me an earache. As I leaped over a fallen branch, I heard a low growl to my left. I slowed my pace and peered into the darkness.
We’ve got company, Raoul said, appearing on a branch above my head.
“Who’s there?” I called. My fingers tightened around my wand, ready to pull it from my hoodie pocket at a moment’s notice.
A large wolf stepped into the moonlight and I recognized Wyatt’s disheveled fur. I released my wand and gave a cautious wave. You could never be too sure how he’d behave when he was in his primal form.
“Hey, Wyatt,” I said, trying to sound as casual as possible.
Another wolf emerged from the trees, his eyes shining brightly. The wolves began to circle me soundlessly, which almost made me more nervous than the growling. There was something familiar about the second wolf.
“Good evening, boys,” I said. “What big teeth you have.” I laughed awkwardly.
The second wolf bared his fangs and I jumped slightly.
I’m feeling hostility in the air, Raoul said.
Thank you, Captain Obvious.
I focused on the second wolf. “Granger?” I’d seen him as a wolf before—once when he was very ill and locked in his animal form.
The wolf stopped and seemed to see me for the first time. He sniffed the air close to me and then howled before running between the trees. Wyatt quickly followed. I stood there in silence until the darkness had swallowed them both.
What’s up with your ex?
“He’s going through a phase,” I said.
Of the moon, apparently.
I carried on without another word. I didn’t want to risk missing any of the meeting.
“Welcome, Ms. Rose,” Arthur said, acting surprised when I finally entered the cave. “What brings you here?”
I nearly said ‘you did,’ but caught myself. “I understand there’s a matter of importance up for debate tonight.”
“And who told you that?” Victorine Del Bianco scrutinized me. “Only the elders should be privy to such information.”
“I’m not at liberty to reveal my source,” I said.
“Welcome, niece,” Aunt Hyacinth said coolly. “I didn’t realize you planned to intend or I would have escorted you.”
“No need for a chaperone.” And no need to tell them about the incident in the woods either. “So where are we in this discussion?”
My aunt used her wand to cast a spell and a chair materialized beside her at the round stone table. She motioned for me to sit.
“We are discussing the current issue with Sheriff Nash,” Missy Brookline said. The fairy’s yellow cloak was designed to accommodate her delicate wings.
I stiffened. “What issue?”
“He’s been…not himself,” Mervin O’Malley said. The leprechaun lowered his gaze, seemingly uncomfortable with the conversation. “He’s been acting strangely with residents. I’ve had reports from my place of business that he’s flirting with every female within a wolf-whistle radius.”
“He’s a bachelor in the prime of his life,” Arthur said. “What’s the harm?”
“You want to fire him because of excessive flirting?” I added.
“Unfortunately, it’s interfering with his ability to perform his duties as sheriff,” Oliver Dagwood said. The wizard wore a somber expression and I knew he took no pleasure in saying that.
“Not to mention that some residents no longer feel comfortable with someone like him in charge of our safety and welfare,” Mervin said.
“We are of the opinion that he should be replaced,” Victorine said.
“Not all of us,” Arthur countered. “There hasn’t been a vote yet.”
Victorine pounded a fist on the table. “Shayna Masters has been murdered and we have no answers. A murderer walks among us and Sheriff Nash is spending his time in bars and prowling the woods like a common wolf. Our standards are higher than that for our sheriff.”
“The investigation is still ongoing,” I said. “He doesn’t spend every waking moment on the case. That’s unreasonable. And since when does a murder get solved in a matter of days unless someone confesses?”
“But he isn’t working on the case,” Amaryllis said gently. “At all.”
“How do we know?” I asked. “Are we stalking him?”
Aunt Hyacinth looked at me, her jaw set. “He’s been under observation since we were alerted to the situation. We know, for example, that you attempted to reason with him at the Wishing Well but to no avail.”
My heart sank. The Council of Elders was better than the FBI. “Sheriff Nash is going through a difficult period, but I promise it won’t last. He’ll snap out of it and be back to his law-enforcing self in no time.”
“We appreciate your belief in him, Ember, but how can you be certain?” Oliver asked. “We can’t risk the safety of our residents on a belief. We need to act.”
I slotted my fingers together, thinking. “Give him a week to make progress,” I said. “If he doesn’t work on the case this week, then feel free to fire him.”
“That’s not good enough,” Victorine snarled. “The victim had marks on her neck. Do you know what happens when someone dies in this town with marks on their neck?”
“But the marks are evidence of strangulation,” I said. “Not fangs.”
Victorine’s expression hardened. “Do you think those details matter? Rumors beget rumors and then it’s chaos. We cannot risk it.”
“I hate to say it, but I agree with Victorine,” Mervin said.
“Okay, then how about this?” I proposed. “If Shayna’s murder isn’t solved in a week, then go ahead and replace him.” A lump formed in my throat at the thought of someone else pinning that star on their chest.
“Solved in a week?” Arthur echoed. He sounded as nervous as I felt.
“That’s right,” I said. “If Shayna’s killer is caught within the week, then Sheriff Nash keeps his job.”
“Fine, but we’ll still need to address his behavior,” Victorine said. “The town will be slapped with a harassment suit if it keeps up. He’s becoming a liability that we can’t afford.”
“Deal,” I said.
“Are we all in agreement?” my aunt asked, addressing the rest of the elders.
“Aye,” they said unison.
“You’ll deliver our message, Ember?” Mervin asked.
“Don’t worry. I’ll tell him what he needs to know,” I said vaguely. I wasn’t sure exactly what that would entail because I didn’t want to risk pushing him away by being the bearer of bad news. All I knew right now was that Granger needed my help and I was determined to give it to him—whether he wanted it or not.
Chapter Seven
I stood on the doorstep of Haverford House, feeling a twinge of guilt that I came without Marley. She and Artemis adored each other, but the conversations I needed to have with the elderly witch were better kept between us. Although Marley and I were close, that didn’t mean it was appropriate for her to know everyth
ing going on in my life. Boundaries were a necessity, for her sake as well as mine.
“I’m so pleased to see you,” Artemis said. She wore a pale, peach-colored dress trimmed in lace, and her white hair was loose and adorned with a matching ribbon. She tended to look a century behind and today was no exception.
“I hope you don’t mind the unexpected visit.”
“Of course not, and on a weekday no less. Do come in.” She shuffled into the parlor and I followed. “Jefferson, tea for two, please.”
“Hi, Jefferson,” I called to her ghostly manservant.
We settled around the coffee table and Clementine came running to greet me. I could tell by the stiff swish of her tail that she was annoyed to find Marley absent.
“Now, now,” Artemis said. “Marley is at school. I imagine Ember must want to indulge in an adult conversation today.”
“Well, I try to avoid those as much as possible,” I joked.
Artemis wore a vague smile, the wrinkles around her mouth giving her face a puckered look. “Tell me how she’s getting on at the academy. Have they offered early graduation yet?”
“Ha, not quite,” I said. “She’s doing well, though. Thanks for asking.”
“Please send her my regards.”
“You can tell her yourself next time I bring her to see you,” I said. “Today is more of a necessary visit than a social call.”
“I assumed as much. How can I help, dear?”
A tray with a teapot and two cups floated into the room and came to rest on a sideboard. I watched as Jefferson poured the tea and delivered the two cups on saucers to the coffee table.
“Thanks, Jefferson,” I said. I felt a cool rush of air as the ghost vacated the parlor. Even in ghost form, he was the consummate professional.
“What’s on your mind, Ember?”
“I guess I’ll start with your prophecy about my aunt’s romantic life.”
Her wrinkled brow lifted. “My prophecy?”
“Whatever you want to call it,” I said. “Remember, she came here and you predicted three suitors and one was a wolf in sheep’s clothing or something.” Or maybe I just had wolf on the brain.
“And what’s the question, dear?”
“There’s this wizard, Craig,” I said. “He just seems too good to be true and Aunt Hyacinth is head over heels, for her.” I shook my head. “I’m starting to think I don’t trust him.”
Artemis folded her hands primly in her lap. “Well, you’ve always had good instincts, dear. I’m certainly not going to sit here and advise you to ignore them.”
“Good, because I can’t,” I said. “He has to be the one you said to watch out for. He’s just so smooth and refined.”
“Sounds like someone else you know,” Artemis said. She blew off the steam and sipped of her tea.
“Who do I know like that?” I asked. I swallowed a mouthful of tea and took another sip.
“Mr. Hale, of course,” the elderly witch said. “The vampire you happen to be head over heels in love with.”
I nearly spat my tea all over my lap. “You think Craig and Alec are similar? No way.”
“Maybe it’s your inner voice projecting your fears about Alec onto this other man.”
“I don’t have any fears about Alec,” I said. “I trust him. Besides, I never said I was in love with him.”
Artemis cackled softly. “Ember, please. I recognize the signs. I’ve been there myself once or twice. There’s no shame in it.”
“I’m not ashamed,” I said. “Alec is amazing. I’d be lucky to…We’re talking about Craig right now. Let’s stick to that.”
“As you wish.” She stroked Clementine, now curled up beside her.
“What do I do?” I asked.
“What do you want to do?”
“I want to make sure Craig isn’t taking advantage of my aunt,” I said.
“And what if he is? She’s a grown woman. A very powerful witch. You don’t think she can handle herself?”
“I don’t think she’s ever been swept off her feet before, not like this.” I paused. “I mean Zale literally swept her off her feet when he carried her out of the sea, but Craig is something else. The way she looks at him…”
“What of it?”
I set down my cup and saucer. “It’s the way I catch myself looking at Alec sometimes, like he’s a gift to the world and I get to keep him on behalf of a grateful earth.”
She smiled. “That’s a very special feeling. You should cherish it.”
“But if Craig is…I don’t know…evil or something.”
“I don’t think I predicted an evil predator. I believe there were three suitors—” She strained to listen to something I couldn’t hear. “Yes, Jefferson, I believe you’re correct.” She shifted back to me. “A gentleman who comes from humble beginnings, but has set himself apart, whether through business or magic or some other means. Someone seductive and charming. He may seem like what she wants, but ultimately he will leave her feeling alone, and then someone who will take her by surprise and offer her a ride worth taking. Bumpy and uncomfortable at times, but exhilarating.”
“Okay, so Craig is the snake. Seductive and charming but will leave her feeling alone.”
“That doesn’t necessarily make him evil or someone to avoid,” Artemis said. “A failed relationship can still bestow lessons she must learn in order to progress in her next relationship.”
“So you think Craig isn’t out to hurt my aunt or steal all her money?”
“I have no idea,” Artemis said. “I don’t know the wizard. Your aunt has never been one to suffer from poor judgment, though.”
“That’s because she’s never been in crazy love. Anyone who’s ever been in crazy love knows that your judgment suffers.”
Artemis eyed me closely. “What makes you certain that your aunt is so smitten?”
“For starters, she remembered his favorite drink from holiday dinners.”
The elderly witch chuckled. “A consummate hostess makes a point of remembering such seemingly minor details.”
“Stop sounding so practical and wise.”
“Isn’t that why you seek my counsel?” She patted my hand. “You need to let this play out as it should, Ember. I don’t advise interfering in your aunt’s relationships. She won’t thank you for it, no matter how right you are. It isn’t her way.”
“No, you’re right. She’ll resent me.” When Karl and I were getting serious, I remembered asking my father why he didn’t break us up. We were so young and I knew he’d object. He said he’d rather support me and be there when things fell apart than have me push him away and not be there when I needed him. Of course, my dad didn’t live long enough to see the end of our story. First my dad. Then Karl. Inwardly, I shuddered. Maybe Artemis was right. Maybe I did have fears about Alec, but not the kind she insinuated. More like fear that I’ll lose him the way I’d lost the two other men I…
“Ember, dear?”
I snapped to attention. “Yes?”
“What’s your other issue? You suggested a second one.”
“Right.” I cleared my throat. “Something strange is going on with the sheriff.”
“How so?”
“He’s been acting…more wolf than man,” I said. “More like Wyatt, in fact, and others have noticed. There’s a murder investigation underway and Sheriff Nash seems more interested in chasing tail than chasing suspects.” To quote Deputy Bolan.
“How unfortunate,” Artemis said. “I can see why that’s a problem, but how can I help?”
“Can we do one of your insightful card games to see if we can figure out what’s causing it?” I asked. “I want to help him, but I don’t know how.”
“Hmm. You seem to be very invested in helping those who may not want it.”
“Can you blame me? What if the sheriff is acting out because of me?”
Artemis patted my hand. “Granger Nash is an adult. If he’s misbehaving, I imagine it’s a passing phase that h
e needs to work through to get to the other side of his feelings.”
“That’s what I keep saying, but I don’t know. You don’t think it’s possible someone put a spell on him to make him act this way?”
“For what purpose?” she asked.
I’d been struggling to answer that one already. “I don’t know. An old enemy?”
“An old enemy wants him to get lucky with the ladies?” Artemis clucked her tongue. “Ember, your feelings are clouding your judgment. This isn’t just your guilt talking, you know.”
“It is,” I insisted.
She gave my hand one more squeeze and let go. “It’s perfectly acceptable to care about him, even though you chose someone else. We don’t turn our emotions off and on like the faucet.”
“Do you even turn your own faucet on? Because I’m pretty sure Jefferson does it.”
She smiled. “Jefferson most certainly turns my faucet off and on.”
Inwardly, I cringed. For a fleeting moment, I’d forgotten about their unusual relationship. I’d like to forget again. There had to be a potion for that.
“I don’t want the sheriff to lose his job,” I said. “How do I fix him?”
“He isn’t a toy, Ember, nor is he yours to fix.”
“I promised that the murder would be solved within a week so that he could keep his job,” I admitted. Of course, I never promised that Granger would be the one solving it.
Artemis took a long sip of her tea. “Well then, a week isn’t long at all, is it? If you’re set on helping him, I suppose you ought to get to work.”
Alec breezed into the office of Vox Populi and dropped by my desk for a kiss. “All alone in this big office?”
“Bentley’s still sailing one of the seven seas and Tanya has an appointment.”
He peered at my screen. “You seem very intent on something.”
“I’m typing notes on everything I know about Shayna Masters.”
“For an article?”
I had to tell him the truth. Mostly because I didn’t want to keep secrets from my boyfriend. Also, because I was going to be busy with this case while Bentley was on his honeymoon. As my boss, Alec needed to know what I was up to.
“I have to help Deputy Bolan solve Shayna’s murder, only he doesn’t know it yet.”
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