“Not that one should expect an unexpected accident like this,” Petunia said. “How did the other manager die exactly?”
“He fell into a mixing machine,” Naisha said.
Petunia pressed a hand against her stomach. “Those must be the gory details that Medea didn’t want to share with us yesterday,” Petunia said.
“They closed the factory for two days after the accident,” Tamakia said.
“Can I ask you how long that manager was working here?” Petunia asked.
“Ten years.”
“Thank you,” Petunia said stiffly, turning to Noah. “What should we do now?” she asked him quietly.
“I can’t imagine we’ll be able to do much of anything right now.”
“You’re probably right. We should give Chloe the news. I have a feeling the sheriff will be there soon asking questions, especially after the allegations yesterday.”
Petunia set down Pansy and he strode up the sidewalk with them. They passed a steady stream of traffic moving in the direction of the factory, including two busloads. She shook her head. The tourists would be so disappointed when the buses had to turn around. Petunia imagined this wouldn’t just affect the factory, but also all of Coven Creek.
There was a bustle of activity inside Enchanted Objects when they arrived, and a small dumpster was standing near the door, at the ready.
Petunia walked inside and Emerald narrowed her eyes slightly before disappearing in the back. A group of three woman busied themselves picking up broken glass and ceramic shards and dusting off shelves before carefully placing the undamaged merchandise back on them.
Pansy looked up at Petunia. “I don’t feel so badly that Medea is dead now. Look at this place.”
“We don’t know that Medea was responsible for what happened here,” Petunia said.
“Then why did you go to Medea’s house last night?”
“I questioned her about what happened here,” Petunia sighed. “But she didn’t admit to anything.”
“And you thought she’d admit to it?” Pansy shook his head sadly.
“Hello, Petunia,” Chloe greeted. “Did you come to help with the clean up?”
“No,” Noah said.
“We need to talk to you privately,” Petunia said.
Chloe’s smile disappeared. “Evie isn’t here.”
“This doesn’t involve Evie, per say, but we need to speak with you now.”
Emerald came out of the back with a clipboard and ink pen.
“I’ll be right back,” Chloe told Emerald.
Chloe led Noah and Petunia into a small office in the back that was barely big enough for them all to squeeze into.
“We just came from the factory,” Petunia said. “And I have a feeling that the sheriff will be here soon questioning you.”
“Me, what did I do?”
Petunia held Chloe’s arms. “Medea is dead.”
Chloe trembled and her eyes widened with shock. “Dead?”
“Yes, there was an accident at the factory. Medea was covered with a pile of melted marshmallow,” Petunia said. “All that was visible were Medea’s red and green stocking-clad legs and her atrocious-looking shoes.”
“How can you be certain it was Medea?”
“There was a witness who saw the entire incident. Her name is Naisha, I didn’t catch her last name.”
“Naisha is Medea’s assistant,” Chloe said.
“She was quite distraught. It must have been horrible to see the accident.”
“If it was an accident, you mean.”
“Chloe, are you suggesting someone murdered Medea?”
“That’s exactly what I’m saying. She ruled that factory with an iron thumb.”
“And since she recently fired you, Chloe, there might be some who think you had something to do with her death.”
“I was ordered off the property, if you remember. I didn’t have access to the factory.”
“Medea claimed you stole recipes and entered areas of the factory you’re not authorized to for your job.”
Chloe looked down and then met Petunia’s eyes. “It’s not true. I mean, I went into a few restricted areas, but not for the intention Medea alluded to. I don’t possess any recipes from the factory.”
“The sheriff will see things differently if she learns of this claim,” Noah said.
“Hopefully it’s not something Medea told anyone, an unsubstantiated claim.”
“When did Medea tell you this?” Chloe asked.
“Last night at her house.”
“You went out to that creepy mansion?” Chloe trembled. “It’s haunted, they say.”
“Why is a mansion on the property of the factory?”
“I couldn’t tell you, but I imagine it’s quite a story.”
“Is there anyone you can think of that might have it out for Medea?” Noah asked.
“Are you planning to look into Medea’s death?” Chloe asked.
“I don’t have a choice. I told you I saw Medea’s face in the crystal ball and I felt she was in danger. Apparently, that crystal ball is the real deal,” Petunia said.
“Did you see anything else in that globe?” Noah asked.
“Marshmallows.”
“Are you certain, Petunia?” Chloe asked with widening eyes.
“The crystal ball was going crazy last night with all these flashing lights. To be honest, I was afraid of what I might see so I ignored it until this morning. And then I saw two red and green stocking-covered legs sticking out from under a white mass at the entrance of the factory,” Petunia answered.
“So that’s why you insisted something had happened at the factory?” Noah asked. “I was wondering how you would know.”
“Believe me, I didn’t want to tell you. I thought we made an agreement that you didn’t care to hear about anything witchy.”
“Apparently I spoke too soon. Not that I believe that crystal balls are real, though. You’re not that kind of witch,” Noah said.
“It’s apparent that I have untapped powers,” Petunia admitted.
“Whatever you do, please don’t go around flying on your magical broom.”
“I don’t even like to be in a car,” Petunia said.
“Yes, but have you ever tried to use your broom?” Noah asked.
“Honestly, it makes me nervous with my track history. It’s bad enough that I made a potion once that was supposed to be a hair tonic for men, but instead it made them lose all of their hair.”
“Oh, my,” Chloe said.
“Can we get back to my question, please,” Petunia said. “Is there anyone who would want Medea dead?”
“In my opinion, anyone and everyone at the factory might harbor ill feelings about her, but killing her? We’ve all been waiting for the day she’d be replaced, but not this way.”
Petunia pulled out a notebook. “Could I get some names?”
“I’m sorry. I can’t help you. There are too many people to count.”
“We need to find a way to get into the factory and question the employees,” Petunia said.
“It will have to wait. I imagine at this point the factory has been shut down pending an investigation,” Noah said.
9
“Where are we going?” Petunia asked, as Noah drove a rented golf cart toward the factory.
“To Medea’s house. With any luck, the cops haven’t gone there yet and we can question the butler,” Noah said.
The road to the factory was blocked now, but it didn’t prevent Noah from heading to the creepy mansion where they had visited Medea yesterday. Petunia had brought Pansy back to the hotel before they headed out. It would be too hard dragging him all over town, which normally happened with cases back in Lake Forest.
There weren’t any cars parked at the mansion, so Petunia and Noah clambered to the front door, ringing the doorbell and setting off a series of gong-type sounds.
Petunia pressed a hand against her chest to calm herself down. She still co
uldn’t believe the crystal ball had revealed that Medea was in danger. If only Petunia had looked at it last night, she might have been able to save Medea.
The door opened with a creak and the butler stood there looking down on them. “Madam is not home,” he said.
“We’re here to speak to you, not Medea,” Petunia said. “We only have a few questions, I assure you.”
The butler tried to shut the door, but Noah quickly put his foot in the way to prevent it from closing all the way. Noah grimaced under his breath as the butler pulled it open again.
“Go away!” the butler told them in a gruff voice. “Madam will be quite angry if I let you inside.”
“That’s what we’re here to talk to you about. Medea died in an accident at the factory,” Petunia said gently.
The butler stepped back into the doorway and grabbed the edges of the molding, a slight smile lighting up his grayish skin. “Are you certain?”
“Yes, melted marshmallow fell on her,” Petunia said.
The butler’s smile widened. “Th-That’s a strange sort of accident.”
“That’s what we thought. You see, the thing is we were hoping to speak to you before the sheriff shows up to give you the news.”
“She’ll toss us out if she finds out we’re here,” Noah said.
The muscles of the butler’s jaw bunched as if he was giving this considerable thought. “Come in.”
Petunia and Noah followed the butler to a small table in the kitchen.
The butler sat across from them with his hand massaging the wood of the table. “What is it you wish to know?” he asked in a dour tone.
Petunia exchanged a glance with Noah. “What was working for Medea like?”
“She was a nasty, bitter old woman. I broke a piece of china once and she docked me a week’s pay.”
“But she can’t do that.”
“Madam does as she wants.”
“How long have you worked with her?” Noah asked.
“One year, but I’ve lived here for forty years.”
“So, you came with the house?” Noah asked astonished.
“It’s strangely amusing when it’s put that way young man. All male members of my family have been butlers. I first came to work here when I was twenty years old. At that time, the Polly family lived here.”
“Was that before the factory bought the property?” Petunia asked.
“This property wasn’t sold with the parcel that was bought for the candy factory, but that sale didn’t transpire until after Mr. Herman Polly passed on. His will stated that the mansion and the property cannot be torn down or altered in any way.”
“So, after Herman Polly died, did any other member of his family live here?”
“No, they quickly moved on. Mrs. Polly was a vivacious, lovely woman with many years ahead of her. She was much younger than Herman. After Herman’s death, she packed up and left town.”
“Who moved into the house next?” Petunia asked.
“There was a middle-aged couple who lived here for a time. A Mr. and Mrs. Smith. He was an attorney who was responsible for the sale of the land for the factory. They were a congenial couple and lived happily here for many years until Mr. Smith received a job offer in another town. He made the arrangements to allow the factory to house their general manager here, providing they didn’t alter the property.”
“How about more recently?” Noah said, trying to redirect the questioning. “Did the general manager of the factory who died unexpectedly live here?”
The butler tapped his fingers on the table now. “Yes, the poor fellow died in a horrible accident at the factory.”
“Could we get the name of the manager?” Noah asked.
“Clark Kenning. A few short months later, Medea Deadsnout acquired the position and made it hers in the cruelest of ways. She rather enjoyed belittling others below her station. She replaced half of the factory workers and routinely fires and hires workers from outside the area.”
“Besides docking your paycheck, did she do anything else to you?”
“I believe that was by far enough?”
“She wasn’t able to fire you, was she?” Noah asked.
“No, sir, she was not and I believe it bothered her to no end. Although Madam did find ways to belittle me when she had guests.”
“You didn’t deserve that. I suppose you’re happy you won’t have to deal with her again,” Petunia fished. “Is it any surprise that someone would want her dead?”
“I can’t say, Miss.”
“Can you think of anyone who would want Medea out of the way?”
“There was a man here with a large mole over his right eye. He’s one of the investors, although I don’t recall his name. I overheard him threatening Madam he’d tell the investors of the factory that she had embezzled funds from a fundraiser.”
“Not the same one Medea was contributing to, I hope. For an orphanage in town.”
“That I can’t tell you.”
“Has this town always been called Coven Creek?” Noah asked. “Or was it changed?”
“It’s always been Coven Creek and home to many witches.”
“Is it true that Medea was a witch?” Petunia asked excitedly.
“I believe I hear a car pulling up. You should head out the back so the sheriff doesn’t see that you’re here.”
Lights indeed could be seen from the front door and Noah and Petunia slipped out the back and waited until the cops went inside before taking off in the golf cart.
Petunia held on tightly as Noah drove the golf cart toward the amusement park. “Let’s see if Gregg is here,” Noah said.
Petunia paid the fee for the two of them and they strolled to the office where Gregg had been the other day when they came with Chloe.
Noah knocked on the door and a young woman answered.
“Is Gregg here?” Petunia asked.
“He’s out presently. There’s been an accident at the factory.”
“That’s why we wanted to speak to him,” Noah said.
The woman’s eyes widened. “Come on inside. I’d love to hear all about it. They’re trying to keep it so hush hush.”
Petunia glanced up at Noah. “Should we?”
“I don’t see why not.”
Noah and Petunia sat across from the woman as she settled behind her desk. Its surface was in total disarray with papers scattered across it.
“I’m sorry, we didn’t catch your name?” Petunia asked.
When the woman only had eyes for Noah, Petunia elbowed him in the ribs.
“I’m Noah and this is my partner Petunia.”
“What a great name,” said the woman, tossing her limp blonde hair. “You can call me Bunny, it’s sort of a nickname.”
“How did you get such a delightful nickname?” Noah said with a twinkle in his eye.
“I’ve always had rabbits for pets and my grandfather started calling me Bunny.”
“Bunny,” Petunia began, “my face is over here.”
Bunny turned to glance at Petunia, worrying her bottom lip with her teeth. “I’m sorry. I don’t know how you can work with such a handsome man like Noah. I wouldn’t even be able to think straight.” She giggled.
Petunia forced herself to remain calm. “I manage. Anyway, Medea died in a freak accident at the factory today.”
The woman leaned forward with a smile. “She was pulled into a mixing machine, I hope.”
“What?” Noah asked. “That would be horrible.”
“It happened to the manager before Medea.”
“We’re quite aware of that,” Petunia said. “You shouldn’t act so happy that Medea died.”
Bunny shrugged. “I didn’t much care for the woman, to be honest. I should be the manager of Candyland, but Medea promoted Gregg to the position.” She swiped her desk clear. “I’m just as capable, even if my desk is a little untidy.”
“What happened to the former manager?”
“Medea canned him a few wee
ks ago. It’s a shame. Reggie did a great job here. He’s very funny and lighthearted. I don’t think Medea likes people who are nice. She wants them all evil to the core, like her.”
“I agree nice people are easier to work with,” Noah said. “It’s too bad there aren’t more people who understand that you get further ahead that way.”
“Probably because that’s not how it works—at least not around here,” Bunny said.
Petunia cleared her throat. “Getting back to Medea, has she ever done anything that would make you think about getting back at her?”
“I told you she wouldn’t promote me as the manager. She certainly doesn’t support woman in managerial positions here at Candyland or in the factory.”
“Maybe she’s afraid of the competition,” Andrew suggested.
“I highly doubt Medea sees other women as competition for her job.” Bunny rolled her eyes. “I can’t image anyone feeling bad about her death.”
Petunia gasped. “That’s horrible. Even if she was a shrew, it doesn’t mean she deserved to die, especially with an accident of that sort. Although I must admit death by marshmallow isn’t often heard of.”
“Details, details,” Bunny said, as she was staring at Noah.
“What time did you come to work?” Noah asked.
“About six, I like to start early to get things ready. Gregg likes his coffee ready when he walks in the door.”
“Are you his secretary?” Petunia asked.
“No, I’m his assistant. I’m in charge when Gregg can’t be here.”
“Do you know Chloe?” Petunia ventured. “She came here to speak to him after she received her pink slip.”
“That doesn’t surprise me. Gregg has a thing for Chloe and the poor sap has no idea it’s not mutual. It’s a shame she tried to use him to get her job back.”
“She wasn’t trying to use him. We were here with her yesterday and she wanted to know why she was fired, but Gregg said it was out of his hands.”
“That’s what he always says, but in this case, it might be true. Medea replaces employees all the time, especially the pretty ones.”
“You’re pretty and you still work here,” Noah said.
Bunny blushed. “Th-Thank you.”
“Medea wanted to buy a shop that Chloe’s sister owns. We’ve been wondering if that’s why Medea fired Chloe, because Evie wouldn’t sell.”
Meows, Magic & Marshmallows Page 8