It's All Sixes

by Cindy Stark

  Her brows drew inward into a frown. “I wish Edmond would mind his own business.”

  Ouch. “So, you don’t think that’s an avenue worth investigating?”

  Gretchen inhaled a deep breath. “Scooter Maccarino is a liar and a cheat. He accused my poor Isaac of stealing his money and his wife. First off, Isaac didn’t need his money. He had plenty of his own, and Scooter’s wife was the one who’d thrown herself at my boy. Despite the rumors, Isaac never slept with her.”

  The woman shook her head. “They were bad people. I’m sorry Isaac ever got mixed up with that lot. I blame Edmond. He’s the one who introduced them. Isaac was only trying to provide Scooter with a great investment opportunity.”

  “The health tonics?” Hazel offered. “They were something that was supposed to help clear the poisons?”

  Gretchen gave her a confident nod. “They did wonders for my Isaac’s stomach and for clearing out the poison.”

  That was an area she’d really like to explore. “Are the tonics available for sale now?”

  Gretchen shrugged. “I don’t know. Isaac never showed me the bottle, so I wouldn’t know what to look for.”

  Hazel needed to ask Peter if they’d done a toxicology exam on Isaac. She was sure they would have, but she wanted to know the results. If Anya had poisoned him, there could likely be traces left from it, or perhaps the medical examiner could note damage that was likely done by poisoning.

  Which meant Gretchen full-heartedly believed Anya had killed her estranged husband. “So, you don’t believe Scooter was mad or deranged enough to commit murder?”

  Gretchen pinned her with a forceful look. “I believe the wretch Isaac married committed this murder. I should think they have enough evidence between where the body and gun were found to arrest her.”

  One would think a grieving person might look at other suspects in a desire to find the truth. But despite evidence that suggested someone else might have a motive, Gretchen was convinced it was Anya. Maybe she was relying on a mother’s intuition to give her the answers.

  Hazel nodded but didn’t verbally respond.

  Gretchen inhaled a shaky breath, and Hazel realized she was on the verge of tears again. She’d pushed her too far.

  “If they don’t try her and convict her, she’ll get all of Isaac’s money and what’s coming from the life insurance policy. She doesn’t deserve a bit of it.”

  “Because they were still legally married,” Hazel noted.

  She nodded and then grabbed a tissue to dab beneath her eyes.

  Her heart broke for the poor lady. “This is such a mess, Gretchen. I’m so sorry. I’ll be praying for a quick and just resolution so that your heart can find peace.”

  Gretchen offered her a grateful smile. “Thank you, Hazel. You’ve been so kind throughout all of this.”

  Hazel stood. “I should be off. I have other deliveries to make, but I’ll check back on you, okay? If you need anything in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to call.”

  After all, that’s what friends and neighbors did for each other.

  Twelve

  Hazel tallied the credit card receipts for the day and entered them on the reconciliation sheet used to keep track of payments and deposits for the bank. Not a bad day considering it was in the middle of the week.

  That night, she’d planned a late evening picnic with Peter, and she was really looking forward to it. She’d picked up thinly sliced Genoa salami, Cacio de Roma cheese, a selection of olives, and crusty bread. With that she’d add red grapes and the delicious lemon-custard cannolis she’d had Margaret pick up for her from her favorite bakery while she’d been in Boston’s South End.

  Hazel sensed someone approaching before Cora’s smiling face appeared behind the glass door separating her shop from the outside world. She smiled, abandoned her accounting, and strode over to unlock the door. “Hey, there. What are you doing out and about? Isn’t this your busy time?”

  Cora sighed and nodded as she entered the teashop. “It is. But Bertie has been fantastic in picking up the slack, so I’m not worried. With as capable as she is, I can afford to take off an evening or two.”

  Hazel locked the door behind her. “That’s great. No one works harder than you, so it’s definitely well deserved.”

  Her friend eyed the dragon fountain she’d hung near the front door, close to the cash register. “This is new. I really like it.”

  She beamed. “It’s part of my new Feng Shui design. A water feature should encourage more wealth and prosperity.”

  Cora stuck her finger into the running stream of water. “If I put a huge fountain in the café’s entry, I wonder if that would make me rich?”

  Hazel knew Cora had endured some rough financial times the previous year and hoped this year would be better. “Haven’t things improved any since last December?”

  Cora smiled and gave her a reassuring nod. “Oh, definitely. Much improved. Though I might have used a touch of magic to make my customers hungrier when they step inside.”

  Hazel snorted. “Is that why I always need a full-dozen macaroons and not a couple?”

  Cora grinned and shrugged.

  A dire reminder flitted through Hazel’s brain. “Just make sure you’re careful doing it. Wouldn’t want anyone to catch on.”

  She waved away her concern. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”

  Cora wiped the water from her fingers on her jeans. “I did have a reason to stop by though.”

  Something in Cora’s tone caught her attention. “Why? What is it?”

  She held Hazel’s gaze. “The coven met and decided they want to give you a chance. You’re invited to attend tonight’s meeting if you can make it.”

  Hazel lifted her brows in surprise. After not hearing anything, she’d assumed they didn’t want her part of their circle. “Tonight? Umm…I had plans with Peter, but I guess I could change them to tomorrow. I’m sure he won’t mind.”

  Part of her wanted to stay away from the others, to keep living her life the way she had. But a deep yearning to be included couldn’t be dowsed.

  “Great. We’ll meet deep in the forest near where you found us before. I’ll drive to your house, and we can walk out together.”

  A tingle of fear raced up her spine. “I don’t understand how everyone manages to get there without being noticed. I don’t see cars on the street near my home, and I’ve never noticed anyone walking into the woods.”

  Cora grinned. “We have our ways. Some park near a playground on the other side of the river and then use conveniently placed rocks to cross it. Others follow the river, entering from different places. None of us travel in that direction at the same time. Few townsfolk or curious tourists will venture that far into the trees. And…we placed a detection spell to alert us if anyone comes near. That’s how we found you the other day.”

  She’d wondered about that. “Okay. Let me close up shop, and I’ll meet you at my house. Do I need to bring anything?”

  Cora shook her head. “Not this time. You’ll be our honored guest. If things go well, I think they’ll accept you into the coven.”

  Hazel couldn’t get past a small but relentless worry. “How much do they know about me? Do they know I’m Clarabelle’s direct descendant?”

  “I haven’t told them anything about you other than you’re a great person with lots of potential. Victor and I have both vouched for you, which is why I think they’ll seriously consider you.”

  She rolled her eyes and groaned. “Will Victor be there, too?”

  Cora gave a soft chuckle. “You know how persuasive he can be. The group has accepted him as a temporary member while he’s in town.”

  “That’s just wrong. They only like him because he’s charming and good-looking. If they knew what he was like deep down, they’d run the other way.”

  “One would hope so. Really though, Hazel, he’s not a bad guy.”

  She snorted. “Nope. Not unless you entrust him with your heart.�
��

  Cora gave her a commiserating smile. “But you have Peter now, and you’re much happier.”

  “Much,” Hazel agreed with emphasis.

  ****

  Cora was already at her house when Hazel arrived home. She’d made herself comfortable on the porch swing in the back yard and slowly rocked back and forth. Mr. Kitty sat to the side of her purring while she petted him.

  Cora glanced up when she spied Hazel drawing near. “I don’t know what you’re talking about when you complain about this poor guy. He’s delightful. So soft and friendly.”

  Hazel lowered her lids halfway and gave Mr. Kitty a dull look. “Go ahead. Try to fool her. I know how you really are.”

  He stood and arched his back into a stretch. He rubbed his side against Cora’s elbow and then turned to Hazel with a saucy look as though flaunting his new friend. With a long, drawn-out meow, he jumped from the swing, turned his backside to Hazel and sauntered away.

  Hazel could only shake her head. “No respect, I tell you.”

  Cora chuckled.

  “He’s probably gone off to find his lady friend.”

  “Oh, yeah. She’s Polly’s gorgeous black cat. I saw her when I arrived. Sorcha’s her name, I believe.”

  Hazel gripped a post on the swing to steady herself. “Mr. Kitty’s girlfriend belongs to Polly McGillicutty? You’ve got to be kidding me.”

  Cora grinned. “Come on. Polly’s not that bad once you get to know her.”

  She lifted a sardonic brow. “Maybe not to you, but she was awful to me while she subbed for Margaret at the station.”

  “I think you intimidate her.”

  Hazel narrowed her gaze in disbelief. “Me? Why?”

  “Look at you. You’re smart and pretty, a successful business owner. Plus, you have two of the hottest guys in town after you.”

  She snorted. “Polly can have Victor with my blessing and gratitude.”

  Cora laughed, and Hazel realized their chatter had helped to calm her nerves. “Whatever you do tonight, Cora, just stay by my side, okay? I’ve never been to a coven where some didn’t want me there.”

  “Deal.”

  Hazel stepped inside the house to drop off her purse and a stash of Pineberry Bush tea that she’d made that morning at work. When she returned outside, Cora was standing and ready to go.

  It took them a good fifteen minutes of walking through the serene trees to get to the spot where several members already waited. With her senses open, she thought she’d felt the moment when they activated the detection spell, though she couldn’t be sure. Regardless, a sense of powerful magic floated in the area around her now.

  The coven had made the area look like a picnic spot, though she was certain a powerful spell would encourage most non-magical people to walk right past without noticing.

  The only person she could think of in town that they might have to worry about was Timothy Franklin because of his relation to one of Clarabelle’s witch friends. But she couldn’t exactly see the studious librarian hiking all the way back here.

  Cora introduced her to the handful of witches already there, including Harriett who owned the plant nursery on the outskirts of town. Hazel recalled she’d been a good friend of Glenys before Glenys had been taken away for murdering Belinda, and she sensed the hesitation and animosity coming from Harriett now.

  Hazel wasn’t surprised since she’d been instrumental in sending her friend and the former leader of the coven to the equivalent of witchy jail.

  She held out her hand to Harriett in greeting. “Nice to finally meet you. Charlie Rossler has said many great things about the plants you have available at your store. I stopped in a few weeks ago to replace the petunias that were fried by the curse, but you weren’t around.”

  Harriett glanced at her hand but didn’t take it. Instead, she gave her a nod of acknowledgment. “Feel free to stop by any time you’re in the market for anything that grows. We have the best selection.”

  What she didn’t say but implied was that Hazel shouldn’t bother to come around for any other reason. That was fine. Hazel had lived long enough to realize not everyone she encountered would like her.

  The next woman she met, named Fauna, was younger than Hazel, maybe in her early twenties. She had dyed the tips of her blond hair a vibrant turquoise that matched the color of her eyes. Warmth and friendliness emanated from her, and Hazel was grateful to have made a friend.

  Fauna had no problem shaking her hand. “I’ve seen you at Cora’s before, but I had no idea you were a witch. You must be good at concealment.”

  Hazel gave a small laugh. “Not particularly. I’d never had to use it before coming to Stonebridge.”

  Fauna lifted her brows, obviously impressed by Hazel’s declaration. “Then you must be infused with strong powers to pull it off seamlessly so soon.”

  The group had grown to eight not including Hazel, and they all turned in her direction after Fauna’s comment.

  Hazel glanced at the group with a nervous smile. “I wouldn’t say that. I’m just a regular witch like everyone else.”

  An older woman named Olivia with short salt and pepper hair snorted. “None of us here are regular witches. You should know that up front. We all have a purpose to be here that we intend to fulfill regardless of who stands in our way.”

  Wariness crept in, and Hazel closed her feelings to the woman. The intelligence pulsing in her eyes sent a shiver through Hazel. She was not to be trusted.

  The approach of footsteps and hushed whispers drew her attention from Olivia and saved her from responding. Polly, two other women, and Victor emerged from the trees. Polly immediately glared in Hazel’s direction, and she sensed the hate.

  It was hard to believe someone could dislike her so much based on who she was and nothing she’d done. That seemed to be a problem with people everywhere these days. Distrust and fear were first reactions instead of friendship and a desire to connect in a positive way.

  Victor left Polly’s side, and Hazel watched Polly as she watched Victor stride toward her. He stopped in front of her and a warm smile graced his perfect lips. “Hello, goddess.”

  He leaned forward and kissed her cheek, drawing whispered secrets among the others.

  “Please stop,” Hazel said in a low voice. “I’m not your goddess, and your attention doesn’t ingratiate me with the others.”

  He twined his fingers with hers. “Don’t worry about it. They need to know we are a unit.”

  She gave a soft snort. “We’re not a unit and never will be again.”

  He only grinned and turned to the group. “Ladies, may I officially present Hazel Hardy, one of the most powerful earth witches in Massachusetts.”

  Her insides turned icy. “No, I’m—”

  “Don’t let her fool you. I give my highest recommendation to allow her into your group. She is a part of your town, and you will all be stronger if you accept her amongst your numbers.”

  The whispers between people grew louder.

  She dug her nails into the soft flesh of his palm, letting him know he’d made her angry. He gave no outward notice of the pain she must have inflicted. She tried to pull her hand free, but his grip was too strong, and she didn’t want to cause a scene.

  Cora stepped to the opposite side of Hazel and took her remaining free hand. “I second Victor’s nomination. Hazel is one of the kindest and most caring people I know. I fully give her my support.”

  Fauna stepped closer to Hazel. “I say yes.”

  Three others followed until the group was evenly split with Polly and Olivia commanding the opposite side.

  Polly shook her head. “I vote nay. These are dangerous times, and I don’t trust her. If she had pure blood, that would be different. But we need to save room amongst our numbers for the true witches’ descendants who should be joining us soon.”

  Harriett moved closer to Polly. “I vote no as well.”

  Olivia studied Hazel with a cold-hearted look and then turned her
lips into an icy smile. “No.”

  The rest of the group voted until the members were evenly split. Talk about not feeling the love. She had no idea what she’d done to the others to make them despise her so much.

  A smile fell across Polly’s face. “As the only true descendant of one of the founding members in Stonebridge, my vote shall be the tie-breaker.”

  Hazel gritted her teeth and wished she could set the ornery woman straight. But this wasn’t right for her. She didn’t want to be where she wasn’t wanted. “No need. Thank you for the consideration, but I would like to withdraw my request for admittance.”

  Not that she’d ever submitted one in the first place. “I choose not to be with people who can’t see my value. So, thank you. Please know I will not disclose any members’ names to others. You can all be about your business, and I shall be about mine.”

  She turned to leave, but Victor refused to let go. The energy inside him swirled with anger and frustration. “You will be making a grave mistake if you let her walk away. You must see that.”

  Polly kept her jaw tight and only stared.

  Hazel sensed a few of the others wavering, but no one spoke up. She turned to Cora and gave her a warm smile. “It’s okay, Cora. This is not where I’m meant to be. I can feel it.”

  Relief from the others spread through the crowd. Cora remained uncertain, but Victor squeezed her hand even tighter.

  He straightened to his full height, and Hazel received a shocking surge of energy coming from his touch. “Do you imbeciles not see? She is the future of this town. She is Clarabelle Foster Hardy’s direct descendant, and you will accept her.”

  Several gasps erupted, including one from Hazel. She glanced at Victor with a how-could-you glare.

  Polly cleared her throat, her face red with anger. She pinned Hazel with a harsh look. “Is this true?”

  Hazel straightened her spine, refusing to crumble under the weight of her stare. “Yes.”

  “Can you prove it?” Polly demanded.

  “She doesn’t need to prove it,” Cora answered for her. “The group should already know.”