"She's a good girl. I'm sure she will," Castor said. "In fact, I think I'll go over there and get myself a coffee and one of those pecan tortes."
"Enjoy,” I said. "And thanks again for the keys."
I went about my business rearranging the shelves, and around lunchtime, Jerry showed up. "Hello," he called out as he came through the door.
Suddenly, I felt uncomfortable being alone with him in the shop. "Oh, hi, Jerry. I was just heading out for an errand. I didn't expect to see you until later this afternoon,” I said.
"Yeah, I just had lunch. I wanted to go ahead and get your issue dealt with before I go back to my other job,” he said.
"Okay, well, I'll leave you to it. I'll be back in a little while,” I said and made my way over to the door. I grabbed my purse on my way past a pyramid of boxes I still needed to break down.
"Bathroom's in the back?" he asked.
"It is. Thanks again,” I said and went outside before he had a chance to say anything else.
I'd only seen the breakfast menu at the Brew Station, but I decided to chance that they might have something for lunch. Meri had followed me out, so I stuck him in my purse. He couldn't protest because there were people around, but his eyes as I closed the zipper most of the way told me everything I needed to know. I wouldn't have been surprised if he'd used the magical energy to poof himself back to Hangman's House and just left me alone for the rest of the day.
The Brew Station did have a selection of cold sandwiches available for lunch. The place was packed, though, so I didn't get a chance to talk to Viv. She smiled at me, but she and her helper were frantically trying to fill orders.
I got a sandwich with pepperoni, salami, ham, provolone, and Italian dressing with a hazelnut Italian soda to drink. There weren't any tables available unless I wanted to try to sit with someone else, so I took my meal to-go and went outside.
There were some benches open, so I sat down and opened my purse to let Meri out. He seemed disgruntled, but I was slightly forgiven when I shared my ham with him.
We sat and watched the tourists until Jerry emerged from my shop. He looked around for me, so I threw my trash in the bin and hurried across the street.
"Oh, there you are,” he said.
"Yeah, sorry. I spaced out. How did it go?"
"Well, it's pretty much fixed. I'm going to turn the water back on so you can use it, but try to use it as little as possible. There's a part I need. I think I'm going to have to order one, so I'll be back in a couple of days," Jerry said.
"Okay, well, I should be around. You can have Castor call me if I'm not,” I said.
"Will do." He looked like he wanted to say more, and I tried not to cringe. I was not looking forward to him making a pass at me. "Well, I have to go. I've got to get back to my other job."
I thanked him and then the Universe. At least I wouldn't have to worry about him again for a couple of days. I decided I'd also tell Castor about my discomfort with Jerry and see if there was someone else we could call. Or I'd just fix stuff myself from then on. Next time I had a problem, I'd keep my mouth shut and just deal with it.
Another couple of hours went by, and I got things just the way I wanted them. I was about to head out when the door opened again
"I'm not open," I called out from the back of the store.
"But I was hoping you could teach me a love spell!" Reggie's voice called back.
"Oh, hi. It's good to see you,” I said and made my way to the front. "How are you?"
"I'm doing okay,” she said and picked up a rose quartz heart that was in a wooden bowl on one of the first shelves. "So, can I do a love spell? Do you know about that stuff? Or are you just selling souvenirs to tourists?"
"You can technically do a love spell, but I don't recommend it. Messing with other people's free will is a way to get yourself in deep with bad energy,” I said.
"Well, that's a bummer,” she said and put the heart back. "I bet you're going to get asked that a lot."
"I can imagine,” I said. "But you can do a drawing spell to bring your true love to you. You just can't really force that role on anyone."
"Oh, so how much for the heart?” she said and picked it up again.
"You can have it,” I said with a happy laugh. "I hope it brings much joy and love into your life."
"Why do I feel like you just cast a spell on me?" Reggie asked as she narrowed her eyes to study me.
"Probably because you're standing in a witch shop holding what you hope is an enchanted item, and we're talking about casting spells,” I said with a shrug, but I had just cast a small spell on her.
"Yeah, that's probably it,” she said and shrugged too.
But I could tell she didn't completely buy it. Some people could see through the magical veil over Coventry that was supposed to prevent them from picking up on the magical stuff going on around them. Reggie was one who could obviously see better than most.
"So, what brings you in?" I changed the subject. "Did you just want to check the shop out?"
"No, I actually have information,” she said excitedly. "It could be a clue."
"What is it?" I asked.
"Hey, can we go outside and take a walk or something? Maybe go grab a coffee at Viv's place? I don't know what it is, but it feels like something is watching us here. I know that's crazy, but it's kinda freaky."
"It is supposed to be haunted,” I said.
"I think this place actually is," she said and headed for the door.
We each got a latte at the Brew Station and headed back to my car. Reggie still hadn't told me her information yet, but she said she'd tell me on the way.
"On the way to where?" I asked as we got in my car.
"Oh, I was hoping you could give me a ride home,” she said.
"Sure."
While I drove Reggie to her house, she started telling me her story. "So, my grandmother had some sort of breakdown because of her meds getting changed by some idiot doctor. Anyway, I've been spending a lot of time there the last couple of days to help her adjust."
"At Shady Acres?" I asked.
"Yes, and while I was out in the visitor's area getting her a soda and some chips from one of the machines, I heard a friend of Katy Shoals' grandmother gossiping about Katy. She was talking about how someone had seen Katy recently and she'd dyed her hair black. The woman said she thought it was so strange that Katy dyed her hair black for the funeral. She'd heard of people wearing black but never doing that to her hair."
"That is a little weird,” I said. "I don't know if it's a clue."
"That's not all, though. I went and found Katy's grandmother. She lives at Shady Acres too, and she told me that Katy dyed her hair way before Merrill died. She said she hated it and didn't understand why her granddaughter had ruined her beautiful blonde hair that way. It could be something, right?" Reggie asked hopefully.
"I mean, it could be. I just don't know what,” I said.
"We'll figure it out,” Reggie said as I pulled into her driveway. "Hey, I'd invite you in, but I have to get ready for work."
"Do you need a ride?" I offered.
"No, the night cook is swinging by here on his way. He's going to give me a ride, but thank you,” she said.
"You're welcome,” I said. "And hey, I'll let you know if I figure anything out about the hair."
Chapter Eighteen
I went home after taking Reggie to her place and took a bath followed by a nap. When I woke up, it was dark and I was starving. Apparently, Meri was too because I woke up to him pawing my nose with his tiny toe beans.
"You can't even be a pain without being adorable anymore,” I said and sat up.
"I just want salmon,” he said. "We don't have to talk."
"I'll get you some salmon,” I said and got up off the bed. "I'm going to make myself some dinner too."
After giving Meri a piece of fresh salmon and two strips of precooked bacon, I got out the bread and cheese to make myself a grilled cheese sandwi
ch. There was a bag of those little fish crackers in the pantry, so I grabbed those too. I decided to round out the meal with a cup of creamy tomato soup.
I pulled the whole thing together in ten minutes, and I was so hungry that I probably ate it all in five. As I was cleaning up after myself, someone rang my doorbell. I thought perhaps it was Thorn, so I checked my phone. There was nothing from him saying he was coming over, so I went to the door and looked out the peephole.
My heart started to pound when I saw Azriel Malum standing on my porch. I wasn't sure if I was afraid or excited to see him. I really hated the effect he had on me, but at the same time, I reached for the doorknob and turned.
"Hello,” I said when I opened the door.
That same wide smile that showed off his teeth and somehow lit his black eyes stretched across his face. "Good evening, Kinsley."
I cleared my throat and took a deep breath to calm my thundering heart. "What can I do for you?"
"You could invite me in,” he said hypnotically.
"Oh, is that a real thing?" I asked warily.
"For us pure bloods it is,” he said. "So, won't you invite me in?"
I should have shut the door or at least stepped out onto the porch, but my mouth betrayed my brain. "Please come in,” I said. After all, what harm could he really do to me?
"Thank you,” he said and stepped over the threshold.
"Pure bloods?" I asked as I walked to my sofa.
"Another topic for another time,” he said.
"Have a seat,” I said and indicated the chair near the sofa.
Instead, he sat down right next to me. "Oh,” I said and swallowed hard.
"I have information for you that might be interesting,” he said and slid closer to me.
"Go on," was all I managed to say.
"Merrill's ex-wife was involved with a man named Jerry Sprigs. I assume you've heard of him?" he said and brushed a strand of my hair off my cheek and behind my ear.
"I have,” I said. "He's kind of creepy."
"Well, Stella and Jerry have been having an affair for a long time. Since before Merrill and Stella got divorced. It's one of Coventry's worst-kept secrets. The only person who doesn't know is Jerry's delightful wife, but I suspect she knows something."
"That's probably why she's so hostile,” I said more to myself than to Azriel.
"Anyway,” he said and put his hand on my knee. "Word is that Merrill was going to tell Jerry's wife. He was attempting to extort money from Jerry, and Jerry couldn't have his wife finding out. She actually owns the majority of his business. It's the only reason he hasn't left her to be with Stella. Jerry was distraught over this, and I heard that Stella was willing to do anything to hold onto him. Perhaps, they killed Merrill together."
"If they were going to kill someone over that, then why not Jerry's wife?" I asked.
"Because Jerry's wife has a will, and in that will, it stipulates that on her death, the majority of the business transfers to her brother. If she dies or divorces Jerry, he loses his business."
"Interesting,” I said.
"Isn't it, though?" Azriel asked.
He leaned in closer to me and his hand slid halfway up my thigh. I felt the butterflies explode in my belly, and a shiver ran down my spine. Everything about him drew me in, but in my head, I knew I wanted him to back off. It was just getting my head to convince my heart and my body to listen.
My heart.
I saw Thorn's eyes and bow-shaped lips flash in my mind. I remembered how safe and cared for he made me feel, and it mostly broke the hold Azriel had on me.
"Well, thank you for the information,” I said and stood up quickly.
Azriel stood up too and suddenly we were chest to chest. Well, he stood a head above me, but we were so close. His hand was on the small of my back, and he was drawing me in again. "We've only just begun, Kinsley," he whispered seductively.
Resist, I told myself.
"You should go,” I said and put my hands on his chest.
Trying to push him back was like trying to move a solid block of ice. He was hard, cold, and immovable.
Well, he would have been for anyone but a witch. I felt a storm brewing inside of me, and Azriel must have seen it in my eyes. He took a step back.
"Don't be that way, Kinsley,” he said, but that time his murmurings had little effect on me.
"I thank you for the information, but you should go. I don't feel like company anymore," I hissed.
"Don't be angry with me,” he said with a smile. "Or do. It makes you even more beautiful."
Suddenly, Meri was at my feet and I felt even stronger. Azriel took another step back.
"I'll go, but we're not finished,” he said.
"Even if you call in your favor, you're not going to get what I think you want,” I said.
"Oh, Kinsley... I would never use my favor for that. For that... you'll be begging me."
With that, he turned and headed for the door. I locked it as soon as Azriel was outside, and then went to the window to watch him leave.
My heart sank because as he was getting in his black Escalade to leave, Thorn's cruiser pulled up to my house.
Azriel pulled out of the driveway, and I waited there for Thorn to get out of his car. He didn't, and eventually, he started the car again.
He was going to leave. I had a bad feeling, so I ran outside and across the lawn. Thorn shot me an angry look and started to pull away from the front of my house.
"Thorn, wait. Please!" I called out.
He stopped. He sat there for another few seconds, but eventually, he turned the cruiser off and got out.
"Thorn, please come inside," I pleaded softly.
He gave me a nod and followed me into the house. Once we were inside, he didn't move away from the front door.
"I should go," he finally said. "I shouldn't even be this angry. This is ridiculous. You can do what you want. It's not like you belong to me. We've been on one date. Of course you can see other people. I just didn't expect..."
"I'm not seeing anyone else,” I said. "Please don't go. Come in and sit down."
"I'd rather stand for now,” he said.
At least he wasn't leaving, I told myself.
"He did make a pass at me, but I turned him down and kicked him out,” I said.
Thorn let out a deep breath, and I saw him visibly relax. "You still shouldn't have invited him into your home, Kinsley. You knew what he wanted. Please don't try to pretend you didn't. I know you're smarter than that."
"You're right, but he's gone. It's over now,” I said. "I let him in because he said he had information for me."
"I told you I would take care of that,” Thorn said.
"I know, but do you want to hear it?"
"Sure,” he said and rubbed his stubble.
I told him everything Azriel had just relayed to me about Stella and Jerry. Thorn listened, but he just shook his head when I finished telling the story.
"It's an interesting theory, but I don't have any evidence right now to back it up. I'll look into it, though."
"Now will you come in?" I asked. "Please? We can watch a movie on my laptop or something. I have those split headphones."
"I'm still in my uniform,” he said.
"I don't mind, and if you do, I'm sure I can dig up some sweats and a t-shirt somewhere in this house. It's kind of what it does,” I said.
"Sure,” Thorn said. "That would be great." He smiled mischievously and the sparkle returned to his eyes. "Hey, are you trying to lure me in for Netflix and chill?"
I laughed. "I'm only offering the Netflix, mister. I'm a lady, after all."
Chapter Nineteen
The next day, I went into the shop to do some dusting and other cleaning tasks. I didn't anticipate it would take long as I was reasonably sure I could use magic for that and it not be considered personal gain. I was wrong and immediately got a huge puff of dust in my face. I had a sneezing fit that left me gasping for breath, and I swear I
almost peed my pants too. Meri never would have let me live that down, so I went out to my car and grabbed some rags from the trunk.
After dusting, I went to the store and got cleaning supplies for the shop. Since I wouldn't be able to use magic, I'd need a stock of the stuff for regular cleaning and disinfecting. I'd already brought sage and salt from home to do any spiritual disinfecting.
In fact, I was in the middle of smudging the place with white sage when Jerry came through the front door again. "I wasn't expecting to see you so soon," I blurted out and almost dropped the smudge stick.
"Are you getting high?" he asked. "I've never seen a joint like that before."
"It's not a joint, and no, I'm not getting high,” I said. "This is a sage smudge stick. I'm cleansing the negative energy."
"So, it's like incense?" he asked.
"Yeah, it's like incense," I just decided to go with that.
"Well, if I'd have known you were burning that stuff, I wouldn't have come in now,” he said.
"Then the sage is doing its job," I mumbled under my breath.
"What's that?" Jerry asked as he stepped away from the sage smoke.
"I just asked if you were here to finish the plumbing job,” I said.
"Oh, yeah. I found the part I needed in some of my old stock. Stuff I never got around to throwing away, but hey, it paid off,” he said. "Since I didn't need to order it, I figured I'd just drop by and finish. I hope that's okay."
"Sure, I know you've got a lot of other work to do, and you're doing this as a favor to Castor. I won't be in your way."
"So, this place is just for tourists?" Jerry asked as he walked toward the back. "Right?"
As much as I loathed to do it, I followed behind him. "Yes, it's because of all the witchy tourist stuff. The witch and ghost tours go right by here, so I'm going to capitalize on that," I said. "Why do you ask?"
"I'm not sure if I should say anything," Jerry said, and it almost sounded like he was afraid.
"You can say anything you want,” I said. "I'm not going to judge you."
I worried for a moment that he'd take that as a sign to make a pass at me, but what he said next caught me off guard. "It's just that there's something kind of off about this place. I mean, it's really nice what you've done here with the herbs, candles, and crystals. It's real pretty and all, but there's just something kinda... spooky."
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