“I’m so sorry!” Shayla cried as she ran over to me. “I was able to stop the trees, but I couldn’t stop the fallout.”
When the last fruit bounced off my back, I lowered my arms and stared incredulously at Shayla. “What the heck just happened?”
“Someone tried to kill you,” she said solemnly.
“What?”
“Serena, that was a summoning spell like I haven’t encountered in a long time. The trees were being summoned against their will to hurt you. Couldn’t you feel their pain and terror?”
“I felt their branches!”
“Trust me. They were just as scared and hurting as you.” Shayla lifted her arms, closed her eyes, and whispered something into the night. I gasped as each tree lowered a branch to gently touch Shayla’s face, her back, her hair…then slowly make their way back to where they were originally planted.
“What’s going on?” I whispered.
“The oldest tree told me that they had been summoned against their will to hurt you. Though they tried to fight the spell, they could not. They were thanking me for helping them and asking for forgiveness for any damage done.”
I stared at my cousin in fascination. The truth was, I knew Shayla was powerful, I just didn’t know exactly how powerful. This had just given me what I assumed was a small glimpse into her power.
“They wanted me to tell you they were sorry, and to tell you thank you for always showing them and the animals kindness. I assured them we would redecorate their limbs as soon as we could.”
I couldn’t stop the half-sob, half-snort that came out of me. “I’m a little freaked out right now. I’m not sure if I can get close to another tree right—”
“Of course you can,” Shayla interrupted sharply. “They had nothing to do with what happened to you. It wasn’t their fault.”
“Okay.” I closed my eyes and swallowed hard. “You’re right. I don’t want this to taint my opinion of the trees.”
“Good. Besides, we have bigger problems. I also just tried to do a locator spell, and I got nothing. I can’t feel anyone else here. Whoever spelled the trees must have left and not watched.”
“I’d say we should call Grant, but he’s busy down at Grover’s store, and I’m sure Sheriff Hawkins is with him.” I frowned. “Do you think the killer just assumed the trees would take care of me and bolted because they didn’t want to take the chance of someone seeing them?”
Shayla nodded. “Probably. I’d also venture to guess they had no idea I’m here visiting and what exactly my powers are.”
I snorted. “I’m not even sure what your powers are, and I’ve known you my whole life.”
Shayla grinned and wrapped an arm around me. “Let’s get inside. I dropped our wine glasses near the back door, so be careful. We can clean it up later.”
Chapter 13
“Coffee?” Tamara asked as I shuffled into the kitchen the next morning.
I groaned. “Need you ask?”
She laughed. “You two must have had some night after I went to sleep. I cleaned up broken wine glasses outside the door this morning.”
“I’m sorry,” I said. “We totally forgot to clean it up.”
“It’s no big deal,” she assured me. “I just did a quick clean-up spell.”
“It kind of was a big deal.” I went on to tell her about being attacked by the trees last night.
“I just thought we had some sort of storm during the night,” Tamara said. “I saw the broken tree limbs and our fruit in the snow, but figured it was the weather. And you have no idea who sent the trees to harm you?”
“Nope.”
Shayla shuffled into the kitchen, covering a yawn as she walked over to the coffee pot. “Happy Christmas Eve, ladies!”
“Same,” I said.
“You too,” Tamara echoed.
“So what’s on—”
Shayla was interrupted by the notification from my cell phone. And not just one—but three. Like they were coming in quick succession. I glanced down…and my mouth dropped.
“It’s from Grant. Basically, he’s saying that they’re hauling in Treena today because one of the tools found at last night’s break-in at Grover’s store had Treena’s initials burned into the handle. They want to ask her about it and see if she’ll come clean before they try and search her place later today.” I frowned at that. Something wasn’t sitting right with me. “He’s going to be tied up all morning questioning Treena.”
“What’s wrong?” Tamara asked. “Why’re you frowning?”
“He said Treena’s initials were burned into the handle of the tools she used to break into the store. The thing is, when Grant and I visited Treena yesterday, I saw one of her tools, and they didn’t have her initials on the handle.”
“Maybe she engraved it before—” Tamara broke off and laughed. “No, that would be stupid to do.”
“Exactly,” I said. “Treena wouldn’t do something so foolish.”
“You’re thinking someone planted it?” Shayla asked.
I nodded. “I do.”
Shayla finished doctoring her coffee then ambled over to where Tamara and I sat at the kitchen table. “Let’s go through this together. Who are the suspects? What are their motives? Who had access? What are their supernatural powers? Just lay out all the evidence.”
“Wait!” Tamara cried. “I’ll get paper and pencil.”
She hopped up from the table and returned a few seconds later, pencil poised and ready.
“First we have Treena,” I said. “Motive to kill Grover is because he broke up with her after years of being together. She admitted a delivery boy told her on the night Grover died about the coal hex that Aunt Serenity put on Grover. But the important thing to remember here is that I stumbled upon a spell that was cast for discord between the two. Someone wanted them to break up.”
“Next?” Shayla asked.
“Clyde Moonstone. A wolf. Unless he’s hired someone, I don’t see him having the ability to cast a spell like the one given to Treena and Grover. However, he does have a motive to kill Grover. He and Grover had been fighting for a while, and I personally saw him threaten to rip Grover apart if Grover didn’t stop messing with Clyde’s property. Also important to note here, is the fact that Clyde actually admitted that Grover denied moving this sign that caused the friction. Grover said he didn’t do it. So either passersby moved the sign, or the killer—if it’s not Clyde—wanted to play mind games with Clyde.”
“So the killer was provoking both men?” Shayla mused. “He wanted both agitated enough that Grover would start doing what Clyde accused him of doing, and Clyde would have a clear motive to kill Grover.”
“Isn’t killing Grover a little drastic over moving a sign?” Tamara asked.
“Clyde said he and Grover had had other altercations over the years.” I sighed. “And let’s be honest…we all know when werewolves get angry, they aren’t always level headed.”
“Who’s next?” Tamara asked.
“Grant and I have ruled out Mrs. Mystic,” I said, “so that leaves only Maxwell Swift.”
“What about him?” Shayla asked.
“I witnessed Grover tell Maxwell that he had second thoughts about selling his place. I know from Mrs. Mystic, that Grover had unhappy customers lately because his merchandise was faulty.”
“Faulty how?” Tamara asked.
“His items were becoming unenchanted.”
“Unenchanted?” Shayla asked. “Really?”
I nodded. “That’s what Mrs. Mystic and Mrs. Featherington claimed. And I know that Maxwell Swift was angry when Grover told him he wasn’t selling, but then he tells Grant and me that he wasn’t worried. He knew Grover would eventually sell to him.”
“What kind of supernatural is Maxwell?” Shayla asked.
“A witch,” I answered.
“Before we jump to conclusions,” Shayla cautioned, “let’s talk about what happened last night with the trees. Who is strong enough to do that?
Treena Oakley is a woodland fairy, correct?”
“Yes,” I said.
Shayla frowned. “I know for a fact that most woodland fairies are powerful enough to make trees do their bidding. But it also goes against everything they stand for. Who else is that powerful? A werewolf? No. Not unless he hired someone. A witch? Maybe. But they’d have to be strong in their magic.”
“That’s the thing,” I said, “I’ve never known Maxwell Swift to yield that kind of power.”
Shayla smiled slyly. “Of course not. That’s the sort of thing you hide from others.”
“Could he unenchant the items in Grover’s store, do you think?” Tamara mused.
“Yes,” Shayla and I both said.
“And,” I added, “that could be the reason Maxwell was so sure Grover would eventually sell. He was the person causing all the disruption to Grover’s store and in his personal life.”
“Now what?” Shayla asked.
I shrugged. “Grant has Treena down at the station. What do you think we should do?”
Shayla grinned. “Pay Maxwell Swift a little visit.”
***
I parked my car in front of Maxwell’s office. I didn’t have much hope he’d be here since I didn’t see his car anywhere. Tamara had begged off joining in the pursuit of Maxwell, saying she’d leave the capture to the professionals. She would, however, stay behind and finish baking for tonight’s Christmas Eve dinner party.
Tilly waved from behind the desk when we entered. Today she had on neon green cat-eye frames with a red sweater set. She stood, motioning us over, and I smiled at her Christmas tree patterned skirt.
“C’mon in, girls.” She blinked in surprise. “Shayla? Shayla Loci? Is that really you?”
“Yes, Ms. Twinkle,” Shayla said. “How’re you?”
“I’m good, thanks. Oh, your mom must be thrilled you’re home for the holiday season!”
“That she is, Ms. Twinkle.”
“Well, what can I do for you girls today?” She frowned. “I’m afraid if you had an appointment with Mr. Swift that he’s not in right now. Which is unusual, because he should have been here at least fifteen minutes ago. It’s not like him to not even call me if he’s going to be late.”
“So you haven’t seen or heard from him this morning?” Shayla asked.
“No. Is something wrong?”
“I’m sure it’s nothing,” Shayla said smoothly. “And Serena and I didn’t have an appointment, we were just hoping to catch him in the office. Maybe he’s around town? We’re on our way to do last-minute shopping. Hopefully we can run into him.”
Tilly clapped her hands together. “Oh, Shayla, are you thinking of moving back to the island? I’m sure Mr. Swift has some rentals he’d be willing to show you.”
Shayla took a step backward. “Oh no—I mean, it’s nothing like—I just wanted to speak with him.”
I snorted at Shayla’s discomfort. Usually she was always in control. She must have heard me because she turned and glared at me. I’d have been scared, but I knew my cousin was all bark and hardly no bite.
“Is this Maxwell’s scarf?” I walked over to the coat rack and held up a blue and green scarf I was sure I’d seen him wearing that day in Grover’s store.
“It is. He must have forgotten it last night.”
“His mind must have been elsewhere,” I deadpanned.
Like how he was going to cast a spell and make my winter trees try to kill me!
I was still fingering the scarf when I met Shayla’s eyes and gave her a small nod. Shayla smiled and turned to Tilly.
“I just love your outfit today,” Shayla gushed as she walked around the desk to stand in front of Tilly. “This fabric and the print is stunning.”
Tilly tittered and beamed. “Thank you!”
As Tilly glanced down at her skirt, I yanked the scarf off the coat rack and shoved it down the front of my jacket. I’d just finished zipping it closed when Tilly glanced back up.
“Well,” I said, “I guess we better run. Lots of things to do this morning. Mom still needs some items from the grocery store.” I opened the front door. “Have a great holiday, Ms. Twinkle!”
Shayla closed the door on Tilly’s nonstop well wishes, and we bolted to my car. Once buckled, I unzipped my coat and threw the scarf at her.
“I take it I’m doing the location spell while you drive,” she said dryly.
I drove to the parking lot exit and waited impatiently for her to tell me which way to go.
“I see lots of flowers,” she said. “Maybe a greenhouse?”
“I know where he’s at.” My back end fishtailed slightly as I pulled out onto the snowy road. “I need to get hold of Grant and have him meet us out at Treena’s with the binder!”
“Witch, please,” Shayla said. “I never go anywhere without my binder.” She patted her waist. “Got it right here.”
“Then at least text him and tell him where we’re going,” I said. “And while you’re at it, you might as well text Sheriff Hawkins with the information too.”
“It’ll be nice to see Sheriff Hawkins,” Shayla mused.
“He misses you. He talks about you incessantly.”
She smiled as she plunked out a text. “I miss him. I actually miss Enchanted Island a lot.”
I gave her a strange look, but when she didn’t say anything else…I let it drop.
Chapter 14
It was quiet when I rolled up on Treena's place. But I knew we were right on the money when I saw Maxwell Swift's car parked in the driveway. “I'm sure he’s around back in the greenhouse.”
Shayla got out of the car, cracked her neck and fingers, and sent me a grin. “Been a long time since I actually captured a bad guy. Since getting promoted to my current job, I’m only in on the retrieval and detention. I kinda miss the action.”
Oh boy.
As we rounded the house, I could see the greenhouse door was wide open.
“I’ll cover the back,” Shayla said.
“Shouldn’t I follow your lead?” I asked.
Shayla scoffed. “Nope. This is your baby. If there’s a way for me to enter back there, I will. Element of surprise. He won’t expect a fight from behind. I’ll cover you, don’t worry.”
And for some crazy reason, I wasn’t the least bit worried. Shayla always had a way of making me feel confident and strong, even though my powers and abilities were nowhere near hers.
I tiptoed through the front of the greenhouse and saw Maxwell Swift bent over Treena’s tools. The smell of burned wood filled the air.
“Whaddya doin’ there, Maxwell?” I asked casually, ignoring the pounding of my heart.
Maxwell whirled around, a short-handled trowel in his left hand. His right hand sparked with magic. On the wood portion of the tool were Treena’s initials, still burning a bright red.
“Burning Treena’s initials into her tools?” I mocked. “Do you really think she’d be that stupid?”
Maxwell narrowed his eyes at me, and I could see I hit a nerve. “It was enough to get her arrested this morning, wasn’t it?”
I shrugged. “Maybe, maybe not. Maybe you just stepped into our trap. Maybe Grant is here ready to arrest you for the murder of Grover Burns.”
He snorted. “Nice try. So I figured I’d come out here and do up the rest while she’s in custody.”
I saw Shayla slip in the back way and decided to keep Maxwell talking. “So what? After witnessing the fight between all the customers the other day, and hearing Aunt Serenity hex Grover, you decided to take action and kill him yourself?”
“Seemed like the most advantageous time. So many people confronting Grover that day, I felt like I was being offered a gift. So I gave my female alibi a sleeping spell, left and went to see Grover, knocked him over the head, and then conjured up some coal to bury him under. All nice and neat.”
“You’re the one who sent the doctored photos with the magic spell to Grover and then Treena?”
“Right again
. I’ve wanted that store and that property for years, and every year Grover said no. So I decided to ruin him and his store. I started to mess with his merchandize so customers would become angry. Then I came up with the idea of splitting Grover and Treena up, hoping in despair he’d sell to me. And he was right on the cusp of doing that until he got it in his head to try and get back together with her! And so by planting the right evidence, Treena Oakley will now take the fall for killing Grover, and I’ll make out even better in the long run. I was paying Grover top dollar for that property…with him dead and Treena gone, the property will probably revert back to the town, and I’ll be able to get the building for a steal!”
“You know I’m not going to let that happen,” I said.
“Amateur witch! You don’t have near the power I do!” He threw the shovel down and faced me. “Speaking of which, how did you escape the trees last night? You aren’t that strong of a witch.”
I frowned. “I could say the same about you. I didn’t realize you were that strong of a witch either, Mr. Swift.”
He sneered. “I’ve been practicing. No one really knows how powerful I am.”
“That’s about to change,” I said smugly as Shayla started down the aisle.
Maxwell must have either noticed I looked behind him, or else he sensed someone at his back, because he sent a burst of electrical charge my way—making me stagger backward—before whirling around and sending the same electrical charge hurling toward Shayla.
She lifted her own hands and deflected the charge…her stride never faltering.
“No!” Maxwell cried. “Not possible! Who are you?”
I formed a fireball in my palm and tossed it playfully in the air. “That’s my cousin. You remember her…don’t you, Maxwell? Surely you’ve heard of her dad?”
His wild eyes darted to me, and when he noticed my playful little fireball dancing about in the air, he swung an arm my way.
I leaped aside, the stream of energy bypassing me, and let my own ball of fire go. Figuring his coat might be flame retardant, I aimed lower. As luck would have it, his pants caught and started to burn. Both of his energy streams disappeared as he smacked furiously at his—delicately put—nether region.
Enchanted Island Mysteries : Serena & Grant Page 15