No Crone Unturned

by Amanda M. Lee

  He made a protesting sound deep in his throat, but no words escaped. “Don’t worry. I’ll fix the frozen thing and the talking thing when I get you where I’m taking you. You don’t have a thing to worry about. I’ve got everything under control.”

  They were bold words, but they felt like a lie. I had absolutely nothing under control. I had made a move, though, and it was too late to take it back. My only choice was to move forward.

  Twenty-One

  I took Bixby to the cabin. That was the only move I had. He remained frozen and silent until I had him securely tied to the same chair I’d harnessed Brandon to the previous evening. When I removed the magic binding him, a torrent of obscenities flew out of his mouth.

  “You really know how to sweet talk a gal,” I drawled, swiping my forearm across my forehead as I sank into one of the other chairs.

  “I will kill you,” he seethed, spittle forming at the corners of his mouth. “I will rip your tongue from your mouth and use it as a lapel.”

  “That’s some vivid imagery.” Now that I had him, I was at a loss for what to do with him. I’d acted on impulse — he really was a little worm and had it coming — but I’d set in motion a chain of events that were likely to backfire on me. It probably wasn’t a smart move, but it was too late now. “Tell me what your master has planned.”

  “I won’t talk. You can torture me all you want, but I’m loyal.”

  “Uh-huh.” I pursed my lips, considering. “Is it the same master as before? Is it the guy I saw you with?”

  He didn’t answer, instead staring into nothing.

  “I don’t want to hurt you,” I said. “I’m not keen on torture unless I have no other choice. You’re backing me into a corner.”

  “You’re the spawn of Satan,” he shot back. “I’m sure you’ll get great joy in torturing me, because that’s what you do.”

  “Actually, you’d be wrong on that.” I folded my arms over my chest and glared at him. “You’re little. I mean ... tiny. You’re like a small child. I don’t want to torture a small child.”

  He turned haughty. “I’m a grown man.”

  “You’re a little person. Wait ... is that the right term? Ugh. Now I have to look it up.” I pulled out my phone and started Googling. “It says you need to be four-foot-ten or shorter to be a little person,” I said after a bit of research. “How tall are you?”

  The look he shot me could’ve been deadly if he had access to magic. “I’m not having this discussion with you.”

  “I could get a tape measure.”

  “Go ahead. Then you’ll have to untie me.”

  “True, but I would just freeze you again so I could measure you. Is that what you want?”

  “I really am going to kill you.”

  It was going to bug me if I didn’t know. “Hold on.” I disappeared into the bedroom, returning with my sewing kit in hand. I rummaged inside until I came up with my tape measure. “This will just take a minute.”

  IT TOOK CLOSER TO TWENTY MINUTES because the tape wasn’t long enough to run his entire length. It took effort to stretch him out on the floor, and then I had to measure him five times before I was satisfied. Then I had to move him back into the chair, rebind him, and unfreeze him.

  In the end, I wasn’t sure it was worth the effort. Still, I had my answer.

  “You’re four-foot-eleven,” I announced. “You’re technically not a little person.”

  “I hate you!” His eyes were wild. There was no doubt the indignity of being placed on the floor and measured had driven him to the brink. In a way, it was an effective torture technique. I was fairly proud of myself.

  “That’s good. Use your anger.” I grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator and returned to my chair. “Are you still with the same guy?”

  “My master is going to rip your heart out and drink from it while it’s still beating!”

  “Can I take that as a yes?”

  “He’s going to remove each and every one of your fingers and feed them to his shadow beast.”

  I stilled. “He has a shadow beast? Is that like a dog?”

  “It’s a minion from Hell!” he screamed. Thankfully I didn’t have neighbors. I could continue to verbally torture him until I lost interest, which wasn’t likely to happen because he was such an easy mark.

  “But you’re the minion.”

  “Stop using that word. You don’t know what it means.”

  “It means that you’re his personal whipping boy. I remember you two together all those years ago. He treated you like an annoying child. Does he still act that way?”

  Bixby lowered his voice to a threatening whisper. “He’s going to bathe in your blood.”

  “That sounds gross. I ... .” The sound of a motorcycle engine outside the cabin caught my attention and I internally cursed. “Crap.”

  “Who is it? Is it my master? He’s come to exact bloody revenge.”

  “It’s the middle of the day,” I reminded him, slowly getting to my feet. “It’s likely someone for me, not for you ... unless you think your master is willing to turn himself into ash to save you. No? I didn’t think so.” I moved to a spot where I could look through the front window, frowning when I recognized Gunner’s tall frame. “Oh, no.”

  “Who is it?” Bixby was a little too eager. “Is it the Devil come to reclaim you for his army?”

  “It’s my boyfriend.”

  Bixby looked perplexed. “Is he the Devil?”

  “No, but he might as well be.” I rolled my neck and shifted my eyes to the minion. “We have a problem. He’s going to be angry if he knows I took you.”

  “Good. Maybe he’ll be smart and take me back. He might recognize that’s the only way to save himself.”

  “He’s not going to take you back. He’s not an idiot. He is going to yell at me, though, and I’m not in the mood to be scolded. It’s already been a long day, and I didn’t even get any lunch. Now I’m crabby and he’s going to pick a fight. This really is a terrible day.”

  “He’s going to release me.” Bixby was adamant. “I know. I have faith that my master has corrupted him exactly as he said he would.”

  I shot him a sidelong look. “I’ll kill your master before I ever let him touch Gunner. I promise you that. As for you ... zip it.” I magically gagged him again and then moved toward the door. I would’ve preferred Gunner wait until later to argue. Now things were going to be ... unpleasant. I wasn’t in the mood for unpleasant.

  “Hey.” I opened the door the same moment he raised his hand to knock. I’d pasted what I hoped was a friendly smile on my face. “I thought we agreed to take a little break today.” It wasn’t the most auspicious of greetings, but I was on a timetable.

  “Hello to you, too.” His gaze was speculative as he looked me up and down. “You seem ... different.”

  I didn’t know what to make of the statement. “Well, I’m having a quiet day. Maybe that’s what’s different.”

  “I don’t know what that means. What’s a quiet day?”

  “It’s a day when I contemplate the meaning of life and my place in this world.”

  “Swell.” He dragged a hand through his hair and regarded me with unreadable eyes. “I came to apologize.”

  That was so not what I was expecting. “I ... you did? I thought you were angry.”

  “I was, but not at you. I’m angry at the situation. Brandon was ... harsh ... this morning. He was saying things he knew would upset me, things about my mother and what happened.”

  My heart gave a little heave. Gunner acted tough and strong, but he was still haunted by the things that happened in his past. I recognized that because I was the same way. “I’m sorry. You have to know that the real Brandon would never do that. He’s being controlled. His knowledge of your past is being used as a weapon, but it’s not your friend wielding that particular sword.”

  “I know. It’s just ... hard.” He reached out and wrapped his hands around my wrists. “What I said t
o you wasn’t fair. I was angry and took it out on you. I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay.” I meant it. Now, given a few hours of perspective, I recognized that he had been lashing out and hadn’t meant what he said. “I wasn’t exactly at my best either.”

  “Yeah, well ... it still wasn’t fair to you. I’m sorry.”

  “I’m sorry, too. I might’ve been looking for a fight at lunch. I was annoyed because I couldn’t break down the barrier. I don’t like to think I have a big ego, but I totally do. I thought I could waltz up to that thing and rip it down without issue. When I couldn’t, I turned into a big baby.”

  A small smile played at the corners of his lips. “I think we were both babies.” He leaned forward and rested his forehead against mine. “I don’t like fighting with you. After you left, I felt like an idiot, but I still proceeded to pout and think bad thoughts about you for a good hour. Then I realized I was the one being a jerk and knew I needed to apologize. I wanted to give you a little time.”

  “I’m okay.” I slid my arms around his neck and gave him a hug. “I was feeling sorry for myself, too. I hung out with Mama Moon for a bit. She essentially told me I was being an idiot.”

  “She’s good that way. I’ve lost track of all the times she’s called me an idiot.”

  “I got to meet her bear.”

  “Barney?” He pulled back, his features already lighter. “Cool, huh?”

  “He’s a little terrifying, but totally cool.” I ran my finger down his cheek. “I’m sorry. I knew you were struggling with the Brandon stuff. I shouldn’t have pushed you about Rain.”

  “I wasn’t keeping it from you,” he insisted. “I just didn’t see the need. She went a little crazy at the end. I think it was whatever was being done to her. At least that’s what I like to think. Either way, she’s gone.”

  “Okay.”

  “I didn’t have feelings for her,” he stressed. “I don’t want you thinking that. I do feel guilty because it seems I was at the center of her meltdown, but I didn’t have feelings for her. Those are all reserved for you.”

  The sentiment was so heartfelt I could do nothing but smile. “Thanks. That’s nice to hear.”

  He drew me close for another hug and then sighed before releasing me. “So, that was our first big fight. I believe that protocol suggests we need to go inside and make up now.”

  I blinked several times in rapid succession. “I ... you mean ... .”

  He waggled his eyebrows. “I could use a little downtime. I was thinking we’d make up and then take a nap. Neither of us are getting anywhere on the investigation. Recharging can’t possibly hurt.”

  It was a pleasant idea. There was just one little problem. “Um ... .”

  He narrowed his eyes. “You’re still angry.”

  I vehemently shook my head. “I’m not. I promise. It’s just ... .”

  The roar of a vehicle engine cut me off, and when I lifted my eyes I saw a pickup truck barreling down my driveway. I didn’t recognize the vehicle, but the woman behind the wheel was another story. “Ugh. This just isn’t my day.”

  Confusion etched across Gunner’s face. “Is that ... ?”

  “Melody,” I confirmed, bobbing my head. “She’s probably going to accuse me of something wacky. Before you jump to my defense, just be aware, it’s totally true. We need to wait to fight about it until after they leave, though. We need to put up a united front.”

  His eyes turned accusatory. “What did you do?”

  I held up a finger to quiet him and adopted a bright smile, one that was meant to completely derange the blonde menace hopping out of the truck. “What a beautiful day for a visit ... only you weren’t invited. I’ll have to ask you to leave until I have time to send a formal invitation.”

  “Oh, you’re so funny,” Melody drawled, her hands landing on her hips. “I can’t tell you how funny you are ... except you’re not. There’s nothing funny about you.”

  I shifted my eyes to Cherise, who was hopping out of the passenger seat. The third half-vampire was with them, but she looked more confused than anything else.

  “Good afternoon, ladies. It’s a wonderful day for a drive in the woods.”

  “It would be better if we were in the city,” Cherise countered. Her expression was cloudy, but I almost thought I saw a hint of amusement lurking in the depths of her green eyes. “This place is ... kind of a hole.”

  “It’s home.” I folded my arms over my chest and regarded Melody with a stern glare. “What do you want?”

  “Are you joking?” Melody’s eyebrows hopped so high they almost disappeared into her hairline. “We want our ... butler ... back.”

  “Butler?” That was beyond amusing. “I think you should call him your minion ... and I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “Oh, don’t do that.” Melody wagged a finger as she made a face. “I know you took him. He was outside with you, on the other side of the barrier, and now he’s gone. Somehow — and I still don’t know how, but somehow — you convinced him to cross the threshold and then you took him.”

  “Oh, geez,” Gunner groused under his breath. “Are you serious?”

  I ignored the question. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I think you should leave now.”

  “Not without our butler.”

  “I don’t have your butler.”

  “Then I’m sure you won’t mind us searching your shack to be sure.” Melody moved to climb the steps to the porch, but I unleashed a torrent of magic at her feet, igniting the grass in blue flames and causing her to hop back.

  “You’re not invited,” I stressed.

  She fumed as she gripped her hands into fists at her sides. “You can’t keep him. That’s ... kidnapping. It’s against the law.”

  “Report me.”

  “Maybe I will. In fact, no, I definitely will.” She dug in her pocket and came back with a cell phone. “I’m calling the police.”

  Her response made me laugh. “Fabulous idea. I’ll wait here.”

  “I’m totally doing it,” she warned.

  “And I still maintain it’s a fabulous idea. Go ahead.”

  Gunner leaned close to whisper so only I could hear him. “My father might not take your side on this.”

  “It will be fine.” I kept my smile in place as Melody danced around with the phone. “Go ahead. I think a police presence will do all of us some good.” She made no move to press a button. Of course, I knew she wouldn’t. “Oh, was that an empty threat? I’m shocked, I tell you. Absolutely shocked.”

  “Ugh.” She stomped her foot and growled. “Why must you be such a pain? We can’t leave without our butler. It’s not going to happen. So ... .” She threw up her hands when I didn’t respond. “Andrea, get him!”

  The third half-vampire seemed surprised at the order. Her eyes widened as she glanced between Melody and me, as if she expected me to somehow countermand the order. Instead, I remained rooted to my spot.

  “Are you suddenly deaf?” Melody challenged. “Get Bixby. I’m sure he’s inside.”

  “But ... .” Andrea gnawed her bottom lip. “What about her?” she asked finally, inclining her head in my direction. “I don’t think she’s going to just let me go inside of her house.”

  “We won’t know until we try,” Melody replied pragmatically. “Now ... do it.”

  “Don’t do it,” I warned when Andrea moved toward me. “I promise you won’t like what happens if you do.”

  “I ... have ... to.” Andrea almost looked tearful. “I’m sorry. If you would just hand him over to us I wouldn’t have to hurt you.”

  I wasn’t worried about her hurting me. “Listen ... .” I didn’t get a chance to finish the warning. I wasn’t sure what I was going to say. She broke into a run much faster than I expected. Her plan appeared to consist of barreling me over. I reacted out of instinct, raising my hands and shooting out a bolt of green magic.

  It hit her square in the chest, freezing her in
place. I recognized the moment when she realized it was over. There was a split-second of regret and then her face went slack as she flew backward and hit the front of the truck. By the time she crumpled to the ground, she was dead ... and I was left to wonder if that had been a necessary move. It might’ve been too much power, especially given the circumstances.

  “What the ... ?” Melody’s eyes were the size of saucers as she scrambled to check on her friend.

  For her part, Cherise simply stared.

  “She’s dead,” Melody announced after a beat. “I ... you killed her!”

  Now was the time to bolster my reputation. “You guys need to realize something. You’re not in charge. I’m in charge. Don’t come back here. If you do, the outcome will be the same ... only bigger.”

  Gunner remained silently poised for action at my side.

  Melody’s expression was impossible to read as she slowly stood. There was anger there — a lot of it — but there was also fear. “You’re going to regret doing that,” she hissed.

  There was every possibility she was right, but I knew better than to acknowledge that. “Don’t come back here. If you do, I’ll burn your whole house of cards to the ground. You’ve been warned.”

  Twenty-Two

  We had a dead body and no way to get rid of it. That meant Gunner had to call his father, which wasn’t something either of us were looking forward to.

  “I don’t even know what to say about this.” Graham stood next to the body, hands on hips, and shook his head. “I just ... don’t even know what to say.”

  I pursed my lips and blew out some air. “To be fair, they came here and attacked me.”

  “Yes, I got that.” He pinned me with a dark look. “But why?”

  “Why what?”

  “Why did they come here and pick a fight in the middle of the day?” he pressed. “It seems like a stupid move given the fact that they’re protecting vampires. Why wouldn’t they wait until the vampires could come with them?”