by Deanna Chase
Kat pressed her lips into a thin line. “She won’t fly. She’s not even coming for the wedding.”
“What about driving? I know Idaho is a long way, but—”
“Mom’s anxiety,” Kat said, shaking her head. “She doesn’t do well in the car either.”
“Oh, honey. Why didn’t you say anything?” I opened my arms wide for a hug, and she flung her arms around me.
“It wasn’t… I don’t know. I guess I hoped she’d change her mind,” she said, her voice halting with tears.
All this time she’d been stressed that her mom wasn’t coming for the wedding and she’d kept it in. “What about your dad?”
“He… won’t… leave her.”
My heart broke for Kat. And I thought my parents had issues. “Okay. Fine. How about this? Kane will give you away, and Bea can fill in as mother of the bride.”
Kat pulled away. “Do you think Bea would mind?”
“I think she’ll be honored. And about Kane, you don’t even need to think twice. Or if he isn’t acceptable, I’ll do it myself.” I grinned. “But you might have to slow your pace. I’m not moving as fast as I used to.”
She chuckled. “As much as I’d love for you to be my escort, I think I’ll stick with Kane. He looks better in a tux.”
I snorted and hugged her again. Then I grew serious. “I know it hurts about your parents, Kat,” I whispered. “But your chosen family loves you, and anything you need, we’re here.”
She choked back another sob and just nodded, clutching me tighter. When she got herself back under control, she pulled away. “Thanks, Jade. I needed that.”
I grabbed her hand and squeezed again. “It’s going to be okay. And when it’s all done and you’ve had a proper honeymoon, maybe you and Lucien can think about going to visit them in Idaho for a bit. I’d be willing to bet your mom is feeling just as bad about not being here as you are.”
“You’re probably right. It’s not her fault she has a phobia of flying.”
But phobias could be overcome. I made a mental note to call my own mother. There was a good chance she might be able to help. “Come on,” I said. “The coffee’s done. Time to bliss out on chocolate.”
13
I turned over on my side and reached for my phone. Kane was sound asleep on his side of the bed, and Flame was curled up in a small dog bed I’d gotten from a neighborhood pet store, while I’d been lying awake for hours. Or at least it felt like hours. The chocolate torte had been a mistake. Not only was the chocolate keeping me wide awake, it had also given me heartburn.
The time on my phone read 4:42 a.m. I let out a sigh and flipped the cover off, giving up. My back ached, and the baby was restless. It was clear that sleep wasn’t going to happen. I started to get out of bed but stopped when Kane’s large hand landed on my thigh.
“Where are you going?” he asked, his voice groggy with sleep.
“To the couch,” I said quietly. “I don’t want to keep you awake with my restlessness.”
“You weren’t.” His voice was clearer, and he sat up, scooting closer to me. “What’s the problem? Back? Shoulders? Legs?”
I let out a small laugh. “All of the above. Everything aches.”
“I can help.” He moved to sit behind me and propped himself against the headboard as he started to knead my shoulders.
“Kane,” I said. “You don’t have— Oh. That’s really good.”
“Just relax, shortcake. I’ve got you,” he whispered into my ear.
I leaned back against him, finally relaxing as his hands roamed over me, easing the tension from my aching muscles. My eyes grew heavy, and small moans of pleasure escaped my parted lips. Before I knew it, his hands were no longer massaging; instead, he was caressing me… everywhere. My hips, my sides, my breasts.
Kane’s warm lips trailed up my neck, and in the faintest whisper, he said, “You’re so lovely. Lush. Glorious. And I want you more than ever.”
“Okay,” I breathed and let myself get lost in everything his hands were promising.
“Knock, knock!” a bright, cheerful voice called, waking me from my bliss. “Rise and shine, lazybones. We have a dragon to find.”
I opened one eye, spotted Pyper and her smug smile, and then groaned. “It’s too early. Go away.”
“It’s past nine. Don’t make me drag you out of there.” She opened the shade on the window and sunlight poured in. “Kane made you breakfast.”
That got my attention. I pushed myself up into a sitting position “French toast? Omelet? Pancakes?”
“You’ll just have to get up to find out.” She disappeared into the bathroom, and a second later the pipes groaned as water rushed through them into the shower. When she reappeared, she asked, “Want me to pick your clothes out too?”
I grinned at her as I hefted myself out of the bed. “Sure. Just make sure it’s not black.” Today she was wearing beige linen capris and a formfitting white tank top that showed off her figure along with ballet flats. “You look nice.”
“Thanks. I’m hoping to avoid heatstroke.” She pointed to the bathroom. “Get moving.”
Twenty minutes later, I emerged from my bedroom, showered and wearing another sundress. This one was white with gorgeous red hibiscus flowers on it.
“French toast!” I exclaimed, making a beeline for the table. “Omigod. My husband is amazing.”
Pyper laughed and put a mug in front of me. “Decaf chai.”
I made goo-goo eyes at her. “If I wasn’t already married, I’d steal you from Julius.”
“I know.” She sat down opposite me with her own plate of french toast.
Flame trotted over from where she’d been standing near the dog dish and sat at my feet. I reached down and patted her on the head. “Did you get breakfast and go out?”
“Kane said he took care of her,” Pyper said.
“Perfect.” I dug into my french toast, surprised it was warm. Pyper must’ve heated it up for me while I was in the shower. I was halfway through my breakfast before I realized Pyper wasn’t eating. I glanced up at her. “What is it?”
Her brows were pinched together, and she was frowning. “I’m not sure. I had a strange dream last night. I think…” She paused and shook her head. “No, I know that a ghost visited me in my dreams. And I think it was a warning about Harper.”
I put my fork down. “Who was it? What did they say?”
She let out a frustrated sigh. “I’m not sure who she was. She was… unfocused. Frantic maybe. She just kept saying, ‘He can’t be trusted.’ But I have no idea who he is. And even though she didn’t tell me her name, I have a really strong feeling she’s Harper’s ancestor. It was something about the eyes.”
“Whoa,” I said, my entire body on alert. The council had said that Pyper’s gift was needed. How did they know a ghost would visit her? “Okay. That’s strange. What do you think of the warning? Who could he be?”
“I’ve been going over it in my head, and the only man in her life that we know about is her boyfriend. Right? The violinist?”
“Yes. What about Mr. Elijah? Or Vic at the store she worked at?” I frowned and shook my head. “Other than the familiar, Mr. Elijah didn’t seem to be involved in her life.”
“And Vic just seemed more annoyed at the inconvenience of Harper leaving than anything else,” she added.
“Right. So the boyfriend it is then. Should we go see him first?” I asked as I forked another piece of french toast.
“Seems like the logical place to start.” She sipped from her coffee mug, and her features smoothed out as if she was relieved just to have shared the troubling visit with me. Then she glanced at Flame. “What’s your plan for her today? Take her with us, or…”
“Kane got a crate at the pet store yesterday evening. Let’s put her there while we’re out.”
It didn’t take long to find the music department at Tulane. The orchestra was highly regarded and played all over the city. The students who excelled were c
elebrated, and Liam Colman was no exception. The minute I’d asked about the first violinist chair, one of the faculty went on and on about how brilliant he was and then pointed us to the Dixon Concert Hall.
“He’s working on his showcase. And I must say it’s brilliant,” the woman said with a heartfelt sigh. Her gray hair hung down her back all the way past her butt. She looked every bit the sixties hippie with her long cotton skirt, a shapeless white blouse, and leather flip-flops. There was even a silver ring on her second toe. The only thing missing was a crown of daisies on her head. “Are you here to recruit him for a performance?”
I started to shake my head, but Pyper said, “Yes. We have a wedding coming up in a few months, and we’re looking for a few classically trained musicians for the reception.”
“Oh, isn’t that lovely.” She grinned at my belly. “Isn’t it sweet you’re starting a family? I guess that means it’s time to tie the knot, huh?” The woman winked at me. “Even the best of us fall for conventions every once in a while, right?”
Pyper chuckled and took my hand in hers, caressing it with her thumb. “Isn’t it lovely that it’s legal now?”
The woman placed a hand over her heart and sighed with so much emotion I thought she might cry. “Yes. Yes, it is. Aren’t you two just lovely? I’m so happy for you.” She glanced at the wall clock behind us. “Oh, look at that. I have to run. Congratulations and good luck!” She wiggled her fingers and took off down the hall.
I yanked my hand out of Pyper’s and shook my head at her. “You’re bad, you know that?”
She threw her head back and laughed. “It’s not my fault she made assumptions. I just thought it was easier to let her think whatever she wanted to.”
Rolling my eyes, I turned around and made my way out of the building. As she followed, her trepidation and unease suddenly tickled my skin. I paused and glanced around, alarmed. “What is it?”
“Huh?” She scanned the area. “Do you feel something?”
“Yeah, but it’s coming from you. What has you worried?”
“Oh.” She started to chuckle again, only this time it was tinged with nervousness. “I was worried you took offense to my pretending we were engaged.”
I turned and stared at her, my mouth open in surprise. Then I frowned. “Why?”
“I don’t know.” She shrugged. “You just seemed… a little uncomfortable I guess.”
“Pyper, please.” I started walking again, eager to get out of the sun. “The only reason I’d be uncomfortable is because you’re like a sister to me. I’m not offended. Actually, it was pretty funny. I was just confused about why you didn’t tell her the truth.”
“Oh, because I thought she’d tell us not to bother him. The showcase is a huge deal.” We neared the music hall, and Pyper reached for the door, pulling it open for me. “That’s where students are recruited for placement in orchestras and other productions after graduation. I didn’t want her to tell us we couldn’t interrupt him.”
“Right.” That made sense. “Quick thinking.”
“Thanks.”
The moment we walked into the building, the haunting sound of a violin consumed me. And without any conscious thought, I gravitated to it as if the music was calling to my very soul. The sound filled me up, sending my blood humming, and I just felt alive.
My footsteps were soft while all my aches and pains vanished. All that mattered was the music.
I floated into the concert hall and spotted a tall, handsome young man in the middle of the stage, a violin on his shoulder as he ran the bow over the strings with power and determination written all over his features. But that wasn’t all. There were two violins on either side of him, floating in the air, their bows independently flying over the strings, helping to create a symphony of violin magic.
“He’s incredible,” Pyper said.
I didn’t answer her as I moved forward, needing to be closer.
“Jade?”
I heard Pyper behind me, but I didn’t care. I needed to be one with the music. The gravitational pull had completely consumed me, and it wasn’t until I was in the front row that I slowly took a seat, staring up at the young man and his collection of violins in complete awe.
Liam Colman’s spell had so thoroughly compelled me that by the time the last notes of his performance reverberated through the hall, I was ready to beg him for more. I stood on shaky legs, my entire body trembling, and whistled my approval, clapping my hands as tears ran down my face.
“Snap out of it, Jade!” Pyper shook my arm.
“Huh?” I glanced over and found her giving me a strange look.
“We need to move. He’s getting away.”
I blinked and glanced back at the stage. The young man was standing there, smiling at me, while the floating violins danced around him. “No, he isn’t. He’s—” The violins suddenly vanished, and Liam started to fade into the ether. “Dammit! It was an illusion.”
“That’s what I was trying to tell you.” She tugged my arm. “Come on. He ran out the back.”
I glanced down at my belly and shook my head. “You go. See if you can track him. I’m going to search the hall in case he left anything behind.”
“Got it.” She jumped up onto the stage and took off at a dead run.
I wondered briefly how she’d known it was an illusion when I hadn’t been able to tell, but I didn’t dwell on it. Pyper might not be magical, but she had other gifts that served her well, like her ability to see and speak to ghosts. Maybe one of them had clued her in.
After taking a deep breath to center myself, I sent out my magic, searching for any traces of emotional energy. If Liam was in the building still, I might be able to find him. A faint trace of guilt brushed over my skin. I retreated back through the theater, following the prickling feeling. It intensified when I found myself in the lobby, but as I moved toward the front doors, it started to fade. I turned left and headed up the stairs, once again on track.
The emotional signature intensified, and soon I found myself in the balcony overlooking the theater. Someone was there, I just couldn’t see anyone.
“Hello?” I called. My voice echoed through the space. “Who’s here?”
Nothing.
“I’m just looking for some information. I’m not here to get anyone in trouble.”
Still nothing. But then the faint sound of soft footsteps near the stairs on the other side of the balcony caught my attention. On instinct, I threw out a bolt of magic and cried, “Ipsum revelare!”
The stream of light crackled in the air, hit its mark, and illuminated a medium-build, dark-skinned young man wearing a purple ball cap. His back was to me as he ran down the stairs, and as soon as my magic faded, so did his image.
“Concealing spell,” I said to myself. In my current condition, I wasn’t going to be chasing anyone. However, it was clear our trip to see Liam Colman was a step in the right direction. He and his cohort were definitely up to something. Finding Liam had just become priority number one.
I slowly made my way back out to the front of the building and leaned against the brick wall while texting Pyper to let her know where I was waiting for her.
Her text arrived instantly. Be right there.
A minute later, she reappeared, her face damp with sweat.
“Any luck?” I asked.
Pyper shook her head. “No. Nothing. I thought I spotted him getting into a white Jeep Wrangler, but when I got closer, it was actually a woman with short hair, same sort of build.” Her expression turned frustrated. “I could’ve sworn that was him. It doesn’t make sense.”
“I think someone’s been playing with illusion spells,” I said, leading her away from the building and filling her in on what I’d experienced. “I don’t know why, but it appears Liam Colman doesn’t want to talk to us. And he probably has an accomplice or two.”
“Are you saying I was fooled by an illusion spell? That Liam wasn’t Liam at all?”
I shrugged. “Maybe. O
r it’s possible that was him and he cast an illusion to get you off his trail. I don’t know, but I am sure it’s more important than ever to track him down.”
Pyper pulled out her phone and tapped the screen. “Julius? Yeah, I need you to run a search on someone. Get us a home address and work address if applicable. Liam Colman, Tulane University student. Music major. Thanks.” She tapped another button, ending the call. “He’ll text us the information as soon as possible.”
“It’s good having connections,” I said. “Let’s get to Harper’s apartment. See if we can find anything there.”
14
The one-bedroom apartment was only a few blocks away, but due to the heat, we took Pyper’s car. Willa finally called me back, letting me know she had no idea how Flame escaped but was glad she was safe. And after I told her we were headed to Harper’s apartment, she said she’d meet us there.
When we pulled up in front of the building, I groaned. Fitch and Myers, Creepy Cop and Good Cop from the council, were outside, interviewing people. “Looks like the council isn’t taking any chances.”
Pyper gritted her teeth. “Assholes.”
I laughed and hauled myself out of the car.
“Ladies,” Creepy Cop Fitch said, his tone somehow making the word sound like a come-on. “Miss me?”
I walked right past him toward the fourplex. Pyper flipped him the finger.
Good Cop Myers laughed.
We ignored him too and walked right into the building as if we owned it. Harper’s apartment was on the top floor, facing the busy street. Light streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes and the piles of personal items upended all over the room.
“Son of a… Did those council clowns do this?” Pyper asked.
“You can’t be in here,” Fitch said from behind us. I’d known he was there, had already felt his gleeful energy as he followed us up the stairs, but I’d chosen to ignore him. Now he’d given me no choice.
“Go away, jackass,” I said, annoyed and tired. “If you haven’t heard, we’ve been tasked by the council with finding Harper. Searching her apartment is standard procedure.”