Magic & Misdeeds

by Annabel Chase

  The sheriff nodded. “That cast iron skillet is pretty heavy. She’d need to have lifted it high enough to whack him on the head.”

  “That was my thought,” I said. “Not only would she have to hit him with it, but hard enough to kill him. I don’t think she could do it.”

  “I trust your judgment, Rose, but we’ll keep an eye on her, just to be safe.”

  “She won’t be hard to find,” I said. “I have a feeling she’ll be stalking Seers Row until she gets the future she wants to hear.”

  The sheriff gave the shop a mournful look. “Hey, at least she has a future, which is more than I can say for Clark.”

  Chapter Ten

  On the drive back from Seers Row, Sheriff Nash was kind enough to swing by Haverford House so that I could collect Marley. I was surprised to see half a dozen players roaming the grounds in the dark. The only light came from their phone screens and a single light in the parlor room of Haverford House.

  “Has it been like this the whole time?” I asked, as Marley scooted into the backseat.

  “Pretty much,” Marley said. “Hi, Sheriff.”

  He twisted to smile at her. “How’s it going?”

  “Good,” she said. “I met so many interesting paranormals today. Artemis was in her element. She was even talking about throwing a ball.”

  “A ball?” I laughed. “How Pride & Prejudice of her.”

  “What’s the matter, Rose? Don’t want to powder your nose and string up a corset?”

  “I’d rather hang out with Raoul at the dump,” I said.

  The sheriff dropped us off at the cottage and I thanked him for the ride.

  “No need to thank me,” he said. “You were a big help today. I appreciate it.”

  It was one of the qualities I liked about Sheriff Granger Nash—he was always willing to express his appreciation and gratitude.

  As we vacated the car, Marley’s phone buzzed and she gasped excitedly. “Lucy wants to know if I can sleep over at her house tonight. Can I please, Mom?”

  I unlocked the cottage door. “Are you sure you want to? You had a nightmare…”

  “I won’t have any nightmares. I promise.”

  PP3 attacked my legs with his tongue and his two front paws and I crouched down to pet him. “What about dinner? It’s getting late and you haven’t eaten.”

  “You don’t have to worry about that,” Marley said. “Artemis fed me about twenty finger sandwiches.”

  “And did you turn any of them into chocolate?” I asked pointedly.

  “Only one,” she mumbled.

  “Did you play any of the game while you were there or did you serve tea and sandwiches the whole time?” I hooked the leash onto PP3’s collar and guided him back to the door.

  Her face brightened. “Oh, yeah. Everyone I met was super helpful. A gnome named Ted helped me defeat a dragon.”

  A gnome.

  I halted in my tracks when it occurred to me that no one had spoken to Lewis yet. The sheriff had probably been too busy questioning other players and dealing with minor violations to track down the gnome. Now that we’d ruled out yet another suspect, I began to worry that Lewis was somehow involved in his friend’s death.

  “Can you check gardendelight’s location?” I asked.

  Marley frowned. “Is that Lewis?”

  “Yes.”

  Marley clicked on the map. “Looks like he’s at Fairy Cove.” She paused. “Since I helped you, can I sleep over at Lucy’s?”

  “Fine, if you’re sure.”

  She jumped up and down and clapped. “I’m sure!”

  “Then hurry up and pack a bag. I’ll cancel Mrs. Babcock.” I rushed the dog outside to pee, contemplating my next move. I was supposed to meet Alec at the Whitethorn anyway and Fairy Cove was on the way. I could drop off Marley and still have time to stop and talk to Lewis. If he’d been out playing all day, there was every chance he was clueless about Clark.

  I didn’t have a lot of time to freshen up for my night out with Alec, but I did my best. I managed to run a comb through my hair and brush my teeth. I changed into a silver top that sparkled when it caught the light. It was feminine without being downright girly.

  I fed the dog and dropped off Marley. Before I left the driveway, I double-checked the gnome’s location and saw that he’d moved on from Fairy Cove and was now in the vicinity of the Whitethorn. Perfect.

  I debated whether to let Sheriff Nash know that I was about to interview Lewis, but decided against it. Alec was meeting me there and I didn’t want to put either one in an awkward position.

  The Whitethorn was overflowing with customers tonight. This was exactly what Florian and Aster had in mind when they decided to host the tournament. The ancient pub was not only a hot spot for the game, but it was a hot spot for evening socializing as well.

  As I pushed my way through the crowd, Bittersteel, the resident parrot, caught sight of me. “Squawk! Pretty lady coming through. Make way for the witch!”

  “Aye.” Captain Yellowjacket’s voice rang out. “Thar she blows.”

  I made my way over and rested my elbows on the counter. “You should really watch what you say,” I told him. “That expression could be misconstrued.” Especially in a room full of males.

  “Business is booming,” Captain Yellowjacket said. “Whatever magic your cousins worked to make this happen, I’m grateful for. A profitable weekend like this will get me through the down season.”

  “I’m glad it’s working out for you,” I said. “Unfortunately, it’s not been so good for everyone.”

  He leaned across the bar and lowered his voice. “You’re talking about the dead leprechaun, are you?”

  Bittersteel perched on his captain’s shoulder. “Squawk! Leprechaun down.” A player within earshot squinted at his screen. “Are there leprechauns here? I haven’t seen one. How many challenges are here?”

  “We’re talking about a real one,” I said, resisting the urge to roll my eyes. Never in my New Jersey life could I have foreseen that I’d be rolling my eyes at someone for suggesting that a leprechaun was imaginary.

  “No leprechaun challenges here, lad,” Captain Yellowjacket confirmed. He poured me a pint and slid it across the counter. “It’s been a steady stream of customers from the start of the tournament. Apparently, there is a nest of vampires to defeat, and if you manage that, then you get to battle an ogre.”

  “Ogre!” Bittersteel shrieked. Every head in the Whitethorn popped to attention.

  “Another ogre?” someone yelled.

  Captain Yellowjacket cupped his hands around his mouth. “Carry on, me hearties,” he bellowed. “Nothing to see here.” He glanced at the parrot on his shoulder. “You really need to pipe down. You’re confusing them.”

  “I’m surprised they even know what day it is,” I said. “This whole tournament is like Vegas. The game just goes on and on, regardless of the time of day or meals, showers, basic hygiene.”

  The vampire pirate chuckled. “There’s definitely been a stench in here this weekend. I’ve been lighting scented candles to help mask the unpleasant odors.”

  Just then I glimpsed a familiar gnome in the crowd. I waved madly. “Lewis,” I called.

  The gnome was too intent on his screen to notice me. He held the phone in one hand and a large ale in the other.

  “Friend of yours?” Captain Yellowjacket asked.

  “He’s staying at Palmetto House,” I said.

  The vampire pirate smiled, showing his fangs. “Ah, well I know this fellow is a friend of yours.”

  I turned to see the hottest vampire on the planet enter the Whitethorn and butterflies exploded in my stomach. Alec strode to the counter, parting the sea of paranormals like a vampire Moses.

  “Did you finish your chapter?” I asked.

  He greeted me with a kiss on the lips. “I did. I’m ready to rejoin reality.”

  “I’m glad to hear it,” I said. “I’m just about to talk to Clark’s friend. He’s over
in the corner.” And was still engrossed in the game.

  Alec gave the gnome a cursory glance. “The dead leprechaun?”

  I nodded. “That’s Lewis. He and Clark came together for the tournament.”

  “Don’t let me get in the way of a good story,” he said. “I’ll order a drink and wait for you here.”

  “You’re the best.” I stood on my tiptoes and kissed him again. “I’ve missed you.”

  I maneuvered my way through the clusters of paranormals. It wasn’t too hard. Most of them were standing perfectly still except for their fingers on their phone screens. I was secretly relieved that Marley didn’t enjoy the game. I couldn’t see her spending all her free time staring at a screen.

  I tapped the gnome on the shoulder. “Hey, Lewis.”

  The gnome couldn’t seem to drag his eyes away from the screen. “Hold on one sec. I’m about to kill this ogre. I’ve already failed twice and it keeps getting stronger.” He continued to tap on his screen while muttering under his breath. Finally, he pumped his phone in the air and expressed victory.

  “Congrats,” I said. “I guess you got him this time.”

  “Darn right I did,” Lewis said. “Nobody messes with gardendelight.” He took a sip of ale. “Have you defeated the ogre yet? I can give you some tips now that I’m done.” He seemed to notice that I was alone. “Where’s your kid? I thought you two were playing together.”

  “Lewis,” I said gently. “Do you know what happened to Clark?”

  Lewis tugged his ear. “He’s either ahead of me or behind me. I haven’t seen him all day.”

  I wasn’t sure how to break the news to him. These players were so invested in the tournament that they’d blocked out the murder of one of their own. That was some hardcore compartmentalization.

  “He’s definitely behind you,” I said.

  Lewis snorted. “I find that hard to believe. How can you be so sure?”

  “Because he’s dead.”

  Lewis blinked at me with his half-moon eyes. “You mean you killed a leprechaun in the game? Because they’re like the easiest ones to kill.”

  I placed a hand on his shoulder. “Lewis, I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this, but Clark was found dead early this morning in the kitchen of Palmetto House.”

  The gnome shrank from my touch. “Is this some kind of sick joke? Because it’s not very funny. I’m going to text him now.” He tapped on his screen.

  “He won’t answer you,” I said. “His phone is probably locked up in the sheriff’s office right now.”

  Lewis blinked back tears. “Are you sure it was Clark? Maybe it was another leprechaun. It’s easy to mix them up.”

  At least he had the decency not to ask about getting access to his friend’s supplies in the game.

  “I saw him myself,” I said.

  Lewis staggered back and threw up a hand to steady himself against the wall. “How? Why?”

  “That’s what we’re trying to figure out,” I said. “Did you see him at all this morning?”

  Lewis rubbed his cheek, thinking. “Our rooms have an adjoining bathroom. It was locked when I went to brush my teeth this morning. I knocked and he said he’d be out in a minute.”

  “Do you remember what time that was?”

  Lewis checked his phone records. “It had to be around five in the morning because I logged in right after I left the house.”

  “Did you have breakfast?”

  “No, I rarely eat breakfast, and definitely not during tournaments. I get too anxious.”

  “You didn’t plan to start the tournament together?” I asked.

  “Clark’s the opposite. He likes to play on a full stomach,” the gnome said. “The smell of food would’ve been too much for me.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Who would want to hurt Clark? I mean, I know he can be a pain and rub others the wrong way, but I can’t imagine he would push someone so far that they’d want to kill him.”

  “He was the winner of the last tournament,” I said. “Kind of puts a target on his back. How about you? Have you ever won?”

  He shook his head. “No, but it’s cool. As long as I perform my best, I’m happy.”

  “You must be somewhat competitive though. Must make it hard to watch your friend win.”

  Lewis gulped down the rest of his ale. “Sure. We’re all competitive to some degree. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be participating. It’s part of the lifestyle.” He frowned. “You don’t think I would actually hurt Clark over a game, do you? That’s crazy.”

  “The sheriff’s going to want to see your phone to confirm your story. In fact, I should probably let him know you’re here.” I took out my phone and opted to text Deputy Bolan instead.

  Lewis stared into his empty glass. “I can’t believe this is happening. Clark and I play this game together almost every day.”

  “Did anyone see you this morning between five and six?” I asked. “The sheriff is going to ask.”

  The gnome ran a finger around the rim of his glass, considering the question. “I saw a handful of shifters, a vampire, two elves.” He swallowed hard. “I don’t know any of their names though. I’m not even sure I spoke to any of them.”

  “Where did you see them?” I asked. “A hot spot?”

  Lewis set his empty glass on a passing tray. “No, just out and about after I left Palmetto House. Everyone seemed to be headed in a different direction.”

  “Is there anyone you can think of that we should talk to? Anybody with a grudge against Clark aside from the werebear from last night?”

  “You talked to him already?” Lewis asked. “I was going to tell you about that.”

  “Buck’s been cleared.”

  Lewis pursed his lips. “Anybody who pays attention knows Clark was someone to keep an eye on.” His eyes sparked with an idea. “You should talk to Sara.”

  “Who’s Sara?”

  He made a face of contempt. “She’s a troll with a mouth as big as her feet. She shows up at all the tournaments, always talking smack but never delivering. Don’t think she’s ever even placed, yet she doesn’t shut up about being successful.”

  “Did she have a run-in with Clark?”

  “Not sure about here, but they argued at the last tournament in River Run where Clark won. I’m not exaggerating when I tell you she was a very sore loser.”

  That sounded like a promising lead. “Have you seen Sara today?”

  He made a dismissive sound. “No way. She’d have to be much further along in the game to be anywhere I am. You’ll probably find her still trying to sharpen her stake to kill the first vampire. You need to acquire a special knife to do the sharpening.”

  “Do you remember where you did that?”

  “I think it was near the big fountain with the statues in town. I only remember because some of the water splashed onto my screen and I had to dab at it with the bottom of my shirt.” He shook his head slowly. “It could have been a catastrophe.”

  Yes, that would have been the real catastrophe. Never mind the murdered leprechaun. “Any idea what her user name is?”

  Lewis laughed. “I do, as a matter of fact. We’re not friends on the game, but I happen to know she goes by ogreeasy.”

  “Is that an egg yolk?” I couldn’t help myself.

  Lewis looked at me like I had two heads. “I think it’s supposed to mean she kills ogres easily.”

  Time to retreat before I made a bigger fool of myself. “Thanks for your help, Lewis.” I cast a glance over my shoulder to see the deputy entering the Whitethorn. Perfect timing. “Here comes Deputy Bolan now. When he’s done looking at your phone, do you want a lift back to Palmetto House? I’m heading in that direction.”

  He gave me a blank look. “Why would I do that? I killed the ogre. I’m going to move on to the next achievement. If I’m tired after that, then I’ll go to bed.”

  I balked. “You’re going to continue the game?”

  Lewis’s expression turned solemn. “It’s wha
t Clark would have wanted.”

  Oddly enough, I agreed with him. “Good luck,” I said. I gestured to Deputy Bolan and inclined my head toward Lewis. The leprechaun seemed to get the idea, so I started back toward Alec. He was already finished with his drink.

  “Not the killer, I take it?” the vampire asked.

  I shook my head. “I don’t think so. He did give me another lead though. I need to find a troll called Sara.”

  Alec smiled, revealing his impressive fangs. “Care to make a date of it?”

  I laughed. “It’s a little macabre to make a date of chasing down a murder suspect, don’t you think?”

  Alec pushed the empty glass across the counter. “I don’t mind what we do, as long as we do it together.”

  “I love the sentiment, but it’s late. I’m going to leave Sara for tomorrow and focus on you tonight.” I opened the game on my phone and added ogreeasy as a friend so that I could track her down more easily. Hopefully, she’d accept the request by the time I wanted to find her.

  He clasped my hands in his. “I have a better suggestion. Why don’t you leave Sara for the sheriff to question?”

  “Because he and Deputy Bolan are up to their eyeballs in work thanks to the tournament,” I said. “They can use the help and I’m much better at asking questions than I’d be at handling traffic violations.” Not to mention I could get away with asking questions as a reporter. It would be much harder to justify pulling over speeding cars, although it might be fun for an afternoon.

  Alec leaned his forehead against mine. “It would be nice to spend time together tomorrow.”

  “Listen, you have no room to talk. You’ve been holed up with your manuscript for ages when you could’ve been spending time with me.”

  He cupped the back of my head. “I’m with you now, so let’s make the best of it.”

  “If we’re going to make the best of it, then I suggest we go back to the cottage. Marley’s sleeping at a friend’s house tonight. We can even sleep in. Together.”

  His lips curved into a seductive smile, revealing his impressive fangs. “Then by all means, Ms. Rose. Lead the way.”