Ghoul's Paradise (Spellbound Ever After Paranormal Cozy Mystery Book 7)

by Annabel Chase

  “I’m surprised she hasn’t tried to sabotage you yet.”

  My fingers clutched the glass. Something in her tone made me uneasy. Her use of the word sabotage didn’t help either.

  “That Josie is a wily one and she wants your job—permanently.”

  “I don’t think so. Not really. We worked all that out and came up with a solution.”

  “Maybe you think you worked it out, but from the things that you’ve mentioned, it sounds like she is still trying to exert control.”

  “I appreciate your concern, but Josie and I are fine. She’s going to be an invaluable member of staff and I look forward to working on many cases with her. Now that I’m part-time, I need the help anyway.” I set my empty glass on the coffee table and clasped my hands in my lap.

  Dr. Hall laughed again. “Oh, Emma. Nothing changes. You’re still the same walking internal organ that you were the day you arrived here.”

  “Walking organ?”

  “I’ll give you a hint. Mine doesn’t work, although I’m not sure that it ever did.”

  I realized that she meant a heart. “I wish Lady Weatherby had more of one. I’m still not sure how to prevent her from taking Agnes out of Spellbound.”

  “Well, you're not going to appeal to that witch through her heart, that’s for sure. You have to try some other method.”

  “But what?”

  “That’s for you to figure out, Miss Smarty-Pants. What do you know about Jacinda Ruth?”

  “She’s scary,” I began. “And intimidating.”

  “She likes to be in charge, doesn’t she? She also has a misplaced sense of honor and duty, which is how she ended up getting herself into trouble. Who else shares those qualities?”

  I frowned, running through the possibilities. “Limpet?”

  Dr. Hall touched her nose. “I’ve had a chance to catch up on some of your more modern films. Do you remember what happens at the end of Jurassic Park?”

  “Which one? There’ve been a few.”

  “The good one. The first one with the scientist who wasn’t great with kids. I found him particularly relatable.”

  I thought about the ending of a movie I hadn’t seen in years. “Do you mean when the velociraptors attack the T Rex?”

  “Those two were left to duke it out and the best dinosaur was left standing,” Dr. Hall said. “What might happen if you apply that concept to your situation with Lady Traitorby?”

  “One of them will end up dead on the floor of a lobby?”

  Dr. Hall groaned. “Come on, Hart. I’m sure you didn’t get that law degree out of a candy machine…although that would explain a lot.”

  “You think I should use the High Priestess to stop Lady Weatherby from moving Agnes.”

  “Agnes is still technically a member of the coven. She’s a former head of the coven herself. It might bother the High and Mighty Priestess to think that someone is undermining her authority, no matter how ridiculous it might seem to you or me.”

  My head bobbed back and forth excitedly as an idea began to form. “Dr. Hall, you’re a genius.”

  She gestured to the diploma on the wall with a flourish. “And that definitely did not come from a candy machine.”

  I went straight from therapy to the gym to see Layla Gerkin, the pack secretary. With a red bandana tied around her head and a wolves do it doggy-style T-shirt, she was easy to spot.

  “Layla?”

  The werewolf didn’t meet my gaze, not that I blamed her. It was too big of a risk with all those weights piled on her shoulders. “Yes,” she grunted.

  “Hi, I’m Emma Hart.”

  She lifted the weights over her head for a few seconds and groaned loudly as she lowered them to the floor. Sweat glistened on her forehead and she used her bandana to wipe it off.

  “I know who you are,” she said, panting.

  “Wow. How many pounds did you just lift?” I asked, eyeing the set of weights.

  “Four hundred,” she said.

  My eyes popped. “That’s like lifting my husband and I over your head.” Or one muscular alpha.

  She half smiled. “I’m a werewolf who competes in weightlifting tournaments. I’m not some lame MMA wrestler.”

  I had to admit that when Alex mentioned her as the pack secretary, this was not the image I had in mind. All that I’d experienced since arriving in Spellbound and I still bumped up against one of my ingrained assumptions once in a blue moon. Like I’ve told Dr. Hall many times, there’s always room for personal growth. She seemed to think I meant me though.

  “I guess you want to talk about Lorenzo,” Layla said. “I figured someone would come around eventually.” She grabbed a towel from a nearby basket and wiped down the rest of her body.

  “I hope that’s okay,” I said. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

  “Save it,” Layla said. “Lorenzo was a nasty piece of work. Anybody with half a brain knew it. I would’ve quit a long time ago if I weren’t afraid of retaliation.”

  “You were afraid that Lorenzo would take action against you if you quit your role as secretary?”

  Layla removed her bandana and smoothed her hair before replacing it. “He basically told me that he would. He was a big fan of personal threats.”

  Between her attitude and her impressive strength, I was beginning to think I should interview Layla as a suspect. “In that case, I guess you must be feeling somewhat relieved that he’s gone.”

  Her gaze flickered to me. “If you want to ask if I killed him, the answer is no. If it had been anyone else treating me that way, maybe. But I owed Lorenzo, so I let him get away with stuff that I wouldn’t have otherwise.”

  “Why did you owe him?”

  She glanced at the smoothie bar. “Want something? I always get a treat when I’m done my workout. I prefer carrots to sticks.”

  “I’m good, thanks.”

  “Mind if I get something then?” She started to walk toward the counter without waiting for an answer, so I hurried to keep pace with her. Layla ordered a banana, apple, and kale smoothie with a shot of whey and then turned back to me. “I was a bit of a mess when I was younger. Lorenzo straightened me out, gave me a job, and then I discovered weightlifting. Since then, everything’s been a breeze.”

  “It sounds like he didn’t always mistreat you.”

  She leaned an elbow on the counter. “I think I was too young to notice. I was so grateful that a respected adult was paying attention to me. Lorenzo could’ve made me eat minotaur shit and I would’ve thanked him for it.”

  “Sounds like you had a rough youth.”

  “Not any rougher than yours.” She gave me a knowing look. “Everybody knows your story, Emma.”

  The satyr behind the counter handed Layla her smoothie and she used a card to pay. “See you tomorrow, Layla,” he said.

  We walked together toward the exit. “I feel like one of those chicks that imprinted on someone other than the mother hen. He showed me a scrap of kindness and I pounced because I was starving for it.”

  “But you said he helped you get on a good path.”

  “Oh yeah, totally.” She sucked down some of her smoothie. “He wasn’t all bad. I mean, nobody’s all bad.”

  Ain’t that the truth. “Alex mentioned that he and Lorenzo had a meeting with just the two of them recently,” I said.

  She nodded. “They’ve had a few of those in recent memory. I don’t know what the topic was, but I could tell it was intense.” She paused. “Okay, I didn’t know for a fact what the topic was, but I could guess.”

  “Darcy?” I asked.

  “Yep.” She smacked her lips, enjoying her healthy smoothie as much as Dr. Hall enjoyed her cocktails.

  “Do you remember anything specific about the last one?” I asked.

  Layla appeared thoughtful. “Alex left with a spring in his step, which I only noticed because normally they both leave looking like their baby bird didn’t make it through the winter. I figured that meant Lorenzo finally ga
ve Alex and Darcy his blessing.”

  Which would’ve pissed off any number of werewolves. “And what about Lorenzo? Did he leave that meeting with a spring in his step?”

  Layla laughed. “Lorenzo never had a spring in his step. That wolf was the most serious paranormal you’ll ever meet. He only ever cracked a smile if someone tripped and fell.”

  Charming but not surprising.

  “Was there anyone you know of with a bone to pick with Lorenzo?”

  She threw her head back and laughed. “You’ve met him. What do you think?”

  I figured as much. “Between you and me, do you think the pack will accept Alex?”

  “I know I will. He’s the best kind of leader. Firm but compassionate. We need more kindness in this world and Alex sets a great example.”

  “Thanks, Layla. You’ve been really helpful.”

  “No problem.” She squeezed my tricep. “And if you ever want any help with these puny arms of yours, let me know. I’d be happy to help put a little muscle on you. Even magic users can use physical strength now and again.”

  I pushed open the door and we spilled into the fresh air. “I think carrying my baby around is enough of a workout these days, but thanks.”

  “She won’t need to be carried forever. Before you know it, she’ll be driving.”

  The thought of Diana growing up and becoming completely independent filled me with unreasonable dread. When that day came, I’d need far more than magic and physical strength to get through it. Even more reason to devote as much quality time to her now as I possibly could. One day, she’d be gone, which meant I only had a short span of time to nurture her. And if I do my job right—like my father said—my love will continue to nourish her even when we’re no longer together.

  It was a proven scientific fact.

  Chapter Nine

  I met Sheriff Astrid first thing in the morning to interview Travis Brent, a baker at Rise and Shine Bakery. The werewolf had to rise earlier than the bread. I couldn’t imagine a life where I had no choice but to be a morning person. In a way, that was my life now, but at least I knew it was temporary.

  The front door to the shop was unlocked even though it wasn’t open for business yet. Astrid and I made our way around the counter to the back where the burly werewolf was kneading a wad of dough into the shape of a loaf. He wore a white apron with the shop logo over a plain blue T-shirt and jeans. The short sleeves accentuated his muscular albeit hairy biceps.

  He glanced up in surprise when we entered. “We’re not open yet. Bread isn’t ready.”

  “We’re not here for bread,” I said, although the loaf already in the oven smelled delicious. I was a sucker for carbs and bread was no exception. Then I thought of my burgeoning waist and decided that it was for the best that no loaves were ready.

  “I guess you’re here about Lorenzo,” he said, his eyes drifting to Astrid’s badge. “And who are you?”

  “Emma Hart,” I said. “I’m consulting with the sheriff on the case.”

  Travis laughed. “Emma Hart? Gods above, Lorenzo hated your guts.”

  My body tensed. “I’m aware of his feelings, thanks.”

  “I remember this one time.” Travis whooped. “Man, it was worthy of a Pulitzer Prize for Best Vent.”

  “Not a likely category for the Pulitzer,” I said.

  “His death is all the pack can talk about, as I’m sure you can imagine. I’ve had to break up multiple fights. Everyone’s on edge. I looked forward to coming to work today to get away from it. Mornings are blissful. When I leave here in the evening, not so much. Every time I hear his name, it’s like somebody stabbed me in the heart.”

  “Interesting choice of words.”

  Travis released a puff of air. “Yeah, I know you found a tree sticking out of his chest or something. That’s probably why I thought of it.” He transferred the dough to the oven.

  “It wasn’t a whole tree, just a branch,” I said.

  He closed the oven door and faced us. “You both saw him? Was it awful?”

  “Could it be anything less than awful?” I shot back.

  “I’m glad I didn’t see it.” He rubbed the back of his head. “I heard he was dressed in some weird getup. Is that true?”

  Sheriff Astrid gave me a look.

  “That isn’t important,” I said quickly. “We’d rather focus on the investigation.”

  Travis looked down at the table. “Still feels like a nightmare and I’m gonna wake up and have Lorenzo yelling at me for being late to another pack meeting or telling me to change my outfit before a ritual.” He managed a weak smile. “Our alpha was very fastidious about clothes.”

  “Is that what you were arguing about earlier this week?” I asked.

  His brow furrowed. “Argument? What argument?” He narrowed his eyes at me. “If she’s the sheriff, why are you asking all the questions?”

  “She has laryngitis,” I said. “The healer has ordered her not to talk for a few days to protect her throat.”

  Travis touched his own throat. “It’s not contagious, is it?”

  “No, you’re fine.” Unless you become close friends with Britta and Paisley. Then all bets are off. “According to a witness, you were seen arguing with Lorenzo after the pack had drinks at The Spotted Owl. Can you tell us about that?”

  Travis seemed to be stumped. “I know I’d had quite a few ales that night. I don’t recall anything out of the ordinary with Lorenzo. We were always riding each other. That was our dynamic. He’d tell me to dress like a real man and I’d tell him to stop being as stiff as a vampire’s fang. There’s nothing wrong with T-shirts and jeans.”

  “Someone saw you in the parking lot and Lorenzo’s fist was inches from your face,” I said. “Would you say that was your typical dynamic?”

  Understanding blanketed his features. “I remember now. Yeah, we were arguing. It didn’t start until we left the tavern though.”

  I curled my fingers around the doll again. “Do you remember what the argument was about?”

  He nodded and continued working on the next loaf of bread. I watched with interest as he added spices. “Yeah, I think so. It was about Marla.”

  “Who’s Marla?” I asked.

  “My sister. She and Lorenzo had what you might describe as a complicated relationship. They were on the outs again and I was frustrated with him.”

  “Would you mind telling us why?” I asked.

  “Marla isn’t getting any younger. She wants pups and I want nieces and nephews to continue the Brent line. My own kids are grown. It would be nice to have young ones in the family again.”

  “Were Marla and Lorenzo that serious? You think he was going to settle down with her?” I couldn’t picture Lorenzo as a doting father or husband. He was far too cold and aloof.

  Travis molded the dough with his fingers and I started to wish those strong hands could massage my lower back the way they were massaging that bread. Too much time on the floor with Diana was wreaking havoc on my body.

  “I didn’t like the idea of him stringing her along,” Travis said. “I was tired of seeing Marla alone night after night, waiting to see whether he might decide to take her back. No other werewolf is going to attempt to court her, not if they think Lorenzo is in contention. You don’t mess with the alpha’s potential mate.”

  “But Lorenzo hadn’t made it clear either way?”

  Travis shook his head. “No, and it wasn’t fair. I guess I had a little too much to drink and decided to speak my mind.” He offered a grim smile. “That’s not always the best course of action with Lorenzo.”

  I knew that from firsthand experience. “How did Lorenzo react to your loose tongue?” I asked.

  He grunted. “You heard the witness. They saw his fist in my face. I backed off pretty quickly. I was drunk but not stupid.”

  “Would you mind telling us where you were between the hours of six and eight the day he was killed?”

  Travis slid another loaf into the ove
n. “Sure. I was home. I’d worked here and then went home for dinner, same as always.”

  “Alone?” I asked.

  “No, I was with my wife. We try to eat dinner together every night now that the kids are out of the house. Keep the marriage intact.”

  I thought of Daniel and wondered whether we’d someday have to make an effort to keep our marriage intact. “Any idea where your sister might be now?”

  Travis balked. “You’re going to question Marla about Lorenzo?”

  “What choice do we have? You said yourself they had a rocky history.”

  He wiped his hands on his apron. “Marla would never hurt him. She loved him.”

  “All the more reason to react poorly if he ended the relationship.”

  “They were off again…” He seemed to realize that he had no choice but to comply. “Now’s a good time to catch her. She gets up early like me and heads to yoga.”

  Cool. That would be easy. “Where does she do her yoga class?” Maybe it was one run by the coven.

  “It’s not a class. She does it by herself near Pendulum Peak. She’s a creature of the outdoors.” He smiled. “Like the rest of the pack.”

  “We appreciate you taking the time to talk to us, Mr. Brent,” I said. “We’re sorry for your loss.”

  “Not half as sorry as the pack is,” he said. “I wish we had the confidence in Alex that we had in Lorenzo.”

  “Well, you have to remember that Lorenzo was the alpha for a very long time. Most pack members don’t even remember a time before him. It’s always going to be tough for a new leader to step into that role and be accepted.”

  “It’d be a lot better if he wasn’t mixed up with that harpy,” Travis said. “Makes the pack look bad.”

  I bristled. “That harpy’s name is Darcy and she is wonderful. The only thing that makes the pack look bad is making biased comments like yours.”

  He looked me up and down. “That’s right. You’re a half breed, aren’t you? I should’ve known that would be your attitude. The most you’re in charge of is a bad spell from what I understand.”