Murder Kicks the Bucket

by Diane Darcy

  Thorne started to say something, looked at Lena again, infatuated, as if barely able to take his gaze from her.

  “But…this vision of loveliness hasn’t told me her name yet, so introduce me, will you?”

  “I will no’.”

  William stepped in front of her blocking their view of each other.

  “Lena, stay here. I’ll be right back.”

  William grabbed the other man by the shoulder and started to lead him away. Was he throwing him out of the casino?

  Thorne was looking over his shoulder. “Her name is Lena?”

  William wasn’t giving the man much choice as he led him toward the lobby.

  As she leaned back against the slot machine once more, she couldn’t help but notice that everyone was staring.

  Awkward, much?

  She shot an irritated look toward William. Granted, Thorne was over-the-top flirtatious, but nothing she couldn’t handle. She’d been fending off boys and men since high school. Fremont Street was like a pick up bar most weekends.

  Lena considered following and letting William know exactly that, but as the crowd started to drift away, she changed her mind. Why add more fodder to the discussion?

  Besides, it might encourage Thorne, which she definitely didn’t want to do. One boyfriend at a time was the most she could handle.

  She turned her attention to one of the tables and pretended to watch a game of twenty-one as weariness beat down on her.

  She might have reached her limit for the day. When William came back, she was going to ask for a ride home.

  William couldn’t believe Thorne would continue to pursue Lena.

  He squeezed the other man’s shoulder hard as Thorne tried to look back once again.

  You just didn’t act in such a way. Not unless you wanted a bloodbath on your hands.

  William had never had a problem with the guy in the past, and he was a regular as he lived in the area.

  But he was suddenly feeling a venomous hatred for the man and wanted him dead.

  Breathing in deeply, he reached for control.

  He couldn’t kill the competition. Not now, anyway. Not in front of everyone.

  When they reached the casino entrance, William shoved him out into the lobby.

  Thorne barely caught his balance, and turned an incredulous gaze upon William. “What was that for?”

  “She’s mine. Ye dinnae seem to comprehend that fact. So now ye’re out. Permanently.”

  Was the blasted man trying to look into the casino again? He rubbed his heart, as if it pained him. William well knew the feeling.

  “Are you sure about her?” Thorne asked.

  Was the man an idiot? “O’ course, I’m sure.”

  “Because —”

  “I’ve said I’m sure, and I am. Get out.”

  Thorne looked like he wanted to argue some more, to test William’s resolve, and William was having a hard time believing it.

  No one tested a werewolf over such a thing. Even another wolf. “Thorne, get it through your thick head, Lena is my soulmate.”

  The man’s face filled with disappointment. “Well, if you’re sure…”

  “I am.” William said firmly.

  Thorne turned away and headed toward the escalators.

  “Where do ye think ye’re going?”

  He stopped and turned back again, his gaze once more going into the casino. “I’m staying here for a few nights.”

  “Why? Ye live here in town.”

  Thorne shrugged. “I got a free room.”

  “From who?”

  “I don’t know. I received a post card in the mail.”

  “Is that so?”

  Thorne nodded and William watched him go, fighting the desire to follow. He wanted to fight the other man, challenge him.

  He was feeling slightly out of control and gave his head a shake. Lena didn’t seem to want Thorne, so he’d let him live.

  He could always talk Sophia into having Thorne thrown out of the hotel, because with the murder investigation going on, he certainly didn’t need this sort of distraction.

  But she’d want to know why, and he didn’t think he could answer the question without losing his temper.

  He realized he was guarding the entrance to the casino long after Thorne disappeared so he turned back to go and find Lena.

  She was probably the only one who could calm him now.

  He hurried back but as he approached Lena, he started to slow down.

  She looked upset, maybe even a little angry, and when she spotted him, gave him a look, and then quickly glanced away.

  William's heart stuttered in his chest.

  She wasn’t happy with him, that much was obvious, but since he’d spent most of his life being in charge, he wasn’t used to caring what other people thought.

  Until suddenly he did.

  He came to a stop in front of Lena, but she had her arms crossed now, and he lifted his hand to cup her elbow, and then let it fall again. “Lass? Is everything all right?”

  “Sure. I was just waiting for you to get back so I could tell you I’m headed home.”

  She wasn’t looking at him as she said it, and panic rose in his chest.

  “Home?”

  “Yes. Home. It’s been an interesting evening, but I’m tired, and I’m leaving.” So saying, she headed toward the lobby.

  He kept pace with her. “Did I…that is tae say…are ye upset with me?”

  “No. Yes. I don’t know.” She suddenly stopped and faced him, placing a hand on her forehead. “Look, I’m just tired and cranky. We’ll talk again tomorrow, all right?”

  Again, that panicky feeling pressured his chest, leaving him feeling breathless and anxious. “At least let me take ye home.”

  “I can catch an Uber.”

  “Let me just have someone bring my car around.”

  “William, I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” She headed toward the lobby and then out the doors with him trailing behind.

  There wasn’t a line in the queue, and the doorman quickly found her an Uber, and she climbed into the backseat.

  William leaned down and gave her address to the driver, memorizing the man’s face. “Get her home safely,” he said, paying the man.

  And then she was gone, and he stood staring after the car until it was out of sight.

  He turned to slowly walk back inside. Had he made a mistake involving her in all this?

  Chapter 7

  The next morning, Lena was more herself again.

  She’d just finished helping a regular customer purchase some of their homemade thyme and lavender candles, when two girls about her own age, wandered into the shop.

  “Hi, can I help you?”

  “Hi,” said the shorter, dark haired girl. Deeply tanned, she had a bright white smile. “We’re here for the weekend, just wandering around, and saw your sign in the window advertising psychic readings. We thought it might be fun.”

  The taller girl, with lighter brown hair, and a shy smile, nodded.

  Her friend whirled a finger in the air. “Not that we believe in any of this stuff, but, who knows, you might surprise us.”

  Lena glanced at her grandmother who gave her a nod, indicating these two were all hers.

  Lena gave them a bright, genuine smile. These were her favorite types of customers. Nonbelievers, looking for a good time.

  Lena remembered when she was a skeptic, too. Just over a week ago, in fact. Fun times.

  “Palm reading, tarot cards, crystal ball?” Lena asked as she gestured them both into chairs, and sat across from them at the small table.

  “Crystal ball,” said the taller girl.

  “Crystal ball, it is.”

  She actually hadn’t used it in a while, as most customers preferred to have their palms or cards read. Lena pulled the ball from off the shelf next to her, and set it between them.

  As always, she took payment up front, and then said, “All right, is there anything specific you
’re looking to get answers to, or just a general reading?”

  The girls gave each other a meaningful look. “Career,” said the lighter-haired girl. “I’m looking for career advice.”

  “Sounds good.”

  Lena looked into the crystal ball, and was almost unsurprised when she saw a green mist glow within. Excitement rose at this manifestation of her powers and she glanced at the girls, but their expressions were blank, unchanged.

  So, it was just her.

  She stared a long moment, letting impressions wash over her.

  Shadow jumped up on her lap, startling the three of them into laughter. The animal took a turn and settled down quickly, and Lena let it stay and looked into the crystal ball once more.

  Strong intuitions had her hesitating. She usually liked to remain vague, but the green light spread into a pattern that looked like danger, and she glanced up to ask, “Are you about to make a large decision where your career is concerned?”

  The girl dithered a moment, which was perfectly normal as people liked to hear what she said unprompted, and often tried not to give much away.

  Lena felt something flare within her at the same time the green mist flared within the crystal ball. It cleared, leaving her with a strong vision which she relayed as she saw it happen.

  “I’m seeing that you’re about to make a big decision where your job is concerned. Absolutely do not do it. It will get you fired from your job. Your current boss, Amanda, is aware of the fact that you’re thinking about leaving, and is giving you enough rope to hang yourself with. She will not take you back when you realize you’ve made a mistake. Loyalty is her number one value.”

  The mist cleared and Lena sat back in her chair with a thunk. Shadow purred in her lap and she lifted her hands to sink them into her supple fur.

  Where the heck had that come from? Amanda? That was pretty specific.

  Both women gaped at Lena, mouths hanging open.

  She drew in a breath and gave a slight shrug. “I know, right?” She didn’t blame them for the looks of shocked disbelief. “Sorry, but I have to call it as I see it.”

  The girls looked at each other, and then back at Lena.

  “That was, amazing!” The dark-haired girl dug in her purse for money, and set it on the table. “Do me now!”

  Shadow, startled, jumped from her lap and disappeared.

  Lena read the other girls fortune, but remained uninspired this time, and just told her things about herself, based on Lena’s observations.

  She was outgoing, so it was a sure bet that she had men in her life.

  She had a sharp intelligence in her eyes, so it suggested she enjoyed learning and career. Spot on.

  The jewelry she wore was costume, and relatively inexpensive, as were her stylish clothing, and Lena told her that with hard work and focus, her money troubles would soon become a thing of the past.

  Both girls left, well satisfied.

  Lena turned to look at her grandmother.

  Grandma laughed. “Did you eat your Wheaties today, sweetie?” Lena, shaking her head, carefully put the crystal ball back like it was a bomb.

  “I honestly don’t know what’s going on.”

  Grandma laughed. “You’re just a late bloomer, is all. Mrs. Miller is on hold for you, line two.”

  Lena took the call, grateful for a bit of normalcy, normal for her anyway, back in her life.

  “Mrs. Miller! How are you today?”

  “Lena. I’m doing well. It’s so good to hear your voice.”

  “How are things?” She did a quick search of her memory, as she didn’t have any notes in front of her. “How is Lillian?”

  Mrs. Miller let out a happy chuckle. “Oh, Lena, things are going so well. Ever since you told me that she’s back to make amends, I have noticed the most unusual occurrences.”

  “Do tell.”

  “Well…” As Lena listened to Mrs. Miller discuss all of the ways in which she thought her dead sister Lillian was making a comeback, she couldn’t help thinking about her own sister.

  They needed to talk.

  She could call her, but it probably would be best to go see her in person.

  And then there was William. He probably wasn’t too happy with her at the moment, either, after her abrupt departure. He obviously hadn’t wanted her to go home last night, but she’d spent what was left of the evening watching TV with Mom and Grandma and had an early, for her, night.

  A well needed rest, apparently. But now she was missing William and wondering if he’d found the murderer.

  Mrs. Miller was still talking when she got a text message from Caleb. Birthday party planning meeting tonight at the Hemlock. Seven o’clock in the minstrels’ gallery. Can you come?

  She considered, and decided that, yes, she’d work it out.

  “So, what do you think about all of that?” Mrs. Miller waited for her opinion.

  Lena, realizing her thoughts had wandered, quickly pulled herself together and reviewed the conversation she’d half-listened to. “With Lillian back, and being so pleasant to you, I can’t help but wonder what your other sister, Sarah, might think of the whole thing? Do you think she’s feeling a bit left out, or perhaps even jealous?”

  Mrs. Miller gasped on the other end. “My dear? I hadn’t even given that angle a moment of thought. Of course, she’s feeling left out! Thank you, Lena, I must go call Sarah, right now!”

  After they’d hung up the phone, Lena quickly texted Caleb to let him know she’d be there.

  But for now, she needed to go to her sister’s place.

  She ran upstairs to get her purse, and sent a quick text to William. How is it going over there? Have you arrested the murderer yet?

  Nae, lass. I could use yer help. His answer was flatteringly fast.

  She laughed, and quickly responded. On my way to my sister’s now. See you later?

  Tell me when, and where, and I’ll come and get you.

  She wasn’t sure herself, so she texted back, I’ll let you know.

  When he sent back a frowny face, she laughed.

  Wandering through the casino, William checked his phone again to see Felix had texted something about paperwork, but Lena still hadn’t written back to him.

  Was she still upset?

  Should he react differently in the future to men who threatened his bond with Lena?

  What was she doing with her sister today?

  He exhaled a breath. Being soulmated was exhausting. He didn’t exactly wish Lena were different, as in his mind, she was perfect the way she was.

  But still, he couldn’t help but feel miffed over the fact that she wasn’t acting like a werewolf mate would.

  Crazy about him, demanding, jealous of his time and his person.

  Of course, courting her wasn’t exactly a hardship, it was simply the uncertainty that was driving him mad.

  How did she feel about him? Were her feelings as deep? Lasting? Was it possible she could leave him?

  That was the one that bothered him the most.

  If she’d been a werewolf, there would be no question they’d be together forever. But a psychic? A witch? Her exact status, her feelings, or his uncertainty about them, left him floundering at times.

  After checking his phone once more, he glanced up to see Thorne Van Russell walking toward him.

  A growl erupted from William’s throat and before he could help himself, he was rushing toward the man to meet him on the carpeted walkway, mid-casino.

  “Thorne! Ye ken ye’re no’ welcome here anymore.”

  The man looked completely startled as if he’d attacked him out of nowhere. “What are you talking about?” He put a hand to his head. “And whatever it is, stop talking so loudly about it. I have a hangover, and it’s killing me.”

  “And tis no more than ye deserve, is it? Going after another man’s mate? Ye deserve all bad things that come yer way.”

  Thorne looked startled and his hand dropped to his side. “What are you talking a
bout?”

  “Lena.” William shot her name at the other man like a bullet.

  “Who is Lena?”

  The man was going to deny it, was he? Between gritted teeth he said, “The female, here in the casino, that ye tried tae chat up yesterday.”

  Thorne scowled. “What are you talking about? I have a girlfriend, so I’m not after yours.” Thorne fumbled with his phone for a moment, and then lifted it to show William a picture of himself, with a blonde wrapped around him, both of them smiling for the camera. “Soraya.”

  “Nae doubt an old picture,” William sneered.

  “Are you calling me a liar?”

  William leaned in closer, so they were face-to-face. “Liar.”

  Thorne shoved him away, and then Caleb was between them. “What’s going on here?”

  “Thorne is after Lena.”

  “I am not!” The other man said hotly.

  William was bristling. In his opinion, anyone and everyone would want a chance with Lena. He couldn’t exactly blame the man, but he could protect what was his. “Then stay away from her!”

  “I will!”

  “See that ye do!”

  Caleb pushed Thorne a few feet away, and William could see he was trying to calm the other man, encourage him to gamble, and soon, with a murderous glance thrown toward William, he was walking toward a blackjack table and throwing down some chips.

  Caleb was soon pushing William in the opposite direction. “Come on, man, what was that about?”

  “Yesterday, Thorne came on tae Lena, right in front of me!”

  “Are you sure?”

  “He told her she was beautiful, and wondered where she’d been his whole life!”

  Caleb glanced back in Thorne’s direction, but they couldn’t see him anymore. “It doesn’t exactly sound like him.”

  Actually, it didn’t. Thorne generally let the ladies do the chasing. “I was there.”

  “And he’s still alive?”

  “No’ for long.” William growled.

  “Come on, let’s go upstairs. We’ve still got a case to solve, and very few ideas about who did it. Have we heard from Dorinda yet?”

  William slowly relaxed, and headed up the stairs with Caleb. “No’ a word.”

  “Doesn’t that seem strange to you?”