Conjure Web

by Yasmine Galenorn

  The doorbell rang again and I glanced at my watch. “That’s probably Millie.”

  Hank answered the door. Sure enough, Millie entered the room, in uniform, her hair up in a messy bun. She looked tired and hassled.

  “You okay?” I asked.

  Millie shrugged. “I just finished booking a pervert who was slinking around a woman’s house. He gave me a run for my money, but I managed to catch him. That will teach him to make sure he’s wearing a belt. His pants fell down to his ankles and tripped him up.”

  I snorted, but quickly stopped at her look. She didn’t look like she was in a joking mood.

  “Ugh,” I said. “Well, we have some news for you. Please, sit down.” I motioned to Caitlin. “Can you get…the Zoey-wannabe, please?”

  As Caitlin carried Zoey out to where we were sitting, Millie listened to our story. I introduced her to Dr. Fairsight, whom she already knew.

  “So you are saying this really isn’t Zoey?” Millie held up the snoozing baby and looked at her. “She looks so…normal.”

  “She has an incredibly strong glamour spell cast on her. One of the strongest I’ve come across. I would also hazard a guess that, since the mother knows you’re aware of what’s going on, there’s a good chance she’s going to try to rescue her baby. But she probably won’t bring Zoey back. She’ll leave some payment in the baby’s place. The Fae don’t steal, not outright, but my guess is she won’t be able to free Zoey from where she’s being held.” Dr. Fairsight leaned back, crossing her legs as she eyed the Woodling child.

  “I thought I’d go out in the wood, looking.” Esmara might be able to help me, I figured. I wanted to take Ari, too, and I thought Killian would be a good choice to tag along. He might be able to sniff her out, given he was a wolf shifter. Whatever the case, as long as I didn’t have to go alone, I’d be happy.

  “What do you think the chances of my men finding the child if I send them in? That’s a serious question, by the way. I don’t want to make matters harder than they already are.” Millie leaned forward, addressing the doctor.

  “My guess is that that your men won’t stand a chance in hell of finding her,” Dr. Fairsight said. “No disrespect intended, but the moment the Woodlings sense authority coming into the Mystic Wood, they’ll hide. You see, they’re in violation of the treaty between the Fae and the human world. There’s a no-kidnapping clause in there, because of the number of changelings that they’ve tried to substitute over the years. I’m thinking they don’t want the government ripping out their woodlands and disrupting their ecosystem.”

  I frowned. “I’ve never heard of that before! You mean the Fae actually have a treaty worked out with the local government—”

  “Not just the local government. No, we’re talking on the federal level,” Dr. Fairsight said. “The treaty was hammered out some years back. Honestly, very few people know about the existence of the Fae—oh, they hear bits and pieces, but it’s like that rare tribe that gets mentioned in National Geographic, but people don’t even realize they exist until they come across an obscure article. And the Fae aren’t everywhere. They tend to stick to temperate climes where there are a lot of forests and woodlands. They aren’t the same thing as nature spirits.”

  While this was all very interesting, I kept returning to the fact that Millie couldn’t just go traipsing in there with her men, demanding the child back.

  “And your testimony won’t prove they’ve broken the treaty?” Caitlin asked.

  Dr. Fairsight shook her head. “No. While I can probably get some of the authorities to accept my findings, at least on a theoretical level, that doesn’t prove that the Fae left her as a changeling. And there are those in government who want to believe that they have the upper hand on all the Otherkin. Human men with massive greed who can’t stand the thought that their power’s not all-encompassing. They’ll happily pretend that something doesn’t exist rather than admit that they can’t control everything. Plus…” She paused, letting out a sigh.

  “What is it?” Tad asked.

  “We have some suspicion that the Fae have bribed certain officials so they’ll overlook incidents like this. I’ve had two cases where a suspected changeling was involved. Both times, I testified to the court when the plaintiffs went after the Woodlings. Both times, the judge dismissed the cases with prejudice, saying there was no evidence to support the accusation. He threw out the evidence I provided. And both times, the judge in question had a sudden uptick in fortune. The first time, he bought a new convertible. I only noticed because I saw him riding around town in the car. A friend of mine who owns a luxury car dealership told me that Judge Jesop had paid cash for it. The second time, the judge—Jesop again—made a sizable donation to the Westward Research Foundation, where I do some work. That same week, research into the Woodlings and their way of life was cancelled, and instead the money was turned toward studies into shifter physiology.”

  “That doesn’t prove the judge was on the take,” Millie said. “But it’s a strong coincidence.”

  “I can’t prove that he took money from the Fae, but I notice these things. I doubt if a third attempt at proving the Woodlings stole a child would do any good.” She sat back, frowning.

  I glanced over at Tad. “Then, if we’re going to retrieve Zoey, I guess we have to do it ourselves.” I glanced at the doctor. “How long did it take for you to take those cases to trial, Dr. Fairsight?”

  “Call me Linda, please. I have a feeling I’m going to be seeing more of you in the future,” she added with a smile. “Anyway, to answer your question, it took us six weeks to secure a place on the docket.”

  “So those children were never found?” I asked.

  She shook her head. “No, unfortunately. They weren’t.”

  I had the feeling there was more to the story. “So, what happened to the families and the Woodling children? The changelings?”

  Linda glanced around the room, her countenance darkening. “It’s getting late. I’m sorry, but I have another appointment. Feel free to call me later and let me know how things are going. You have my number.” And, without answering my question, she rose and headed to the door. As Hank saw her out, I glanced over at Millie, who was watching the doctor leave.

  There’s a reason Linda didn’t want to talk in front of Millie, Esmara said. Don’t continue this discussion in front of your friend. I know you trust her, and she’s not untrustworthy, but she took an oath and there are goings-on of which the authorities need to steer clear. And sometimes, it pays to be vague.

  Surprised by Esmara’s statement but grateful for the advice, I turned to Millie. “Well, I guess we brought you out here for nothing. I’m sorry.”

  “No, that’s all right,” Millie said, looking concerned. “I wonder… I think I’ll have a look into Judge Jesop’s financials. Old Ivan—the judge—has run afoul of several groups who sought to have him disbarred, but each time, he managed to evade their accusations. I’ll talk to you later. Call me if you need me.” And she, too, left.

  After she was gone, I told the others what Esmara had told me. “There’s something Linda didn’t want to tell us. I could feel it on the tip of her tongue, but Millie’s presence made her stop.”

  “Well, she’ll tell us if we need to know. Meanwhile, I suppose we’re planning a trip into the forest,” Tad said.

  I stood, feeling torn. “I have to run. I need to change for dinner. I really can’t be late tonight. Killian’s counting on me to be there to meet his sister, and he’s already half-convinced I don’t want to meet his family.”

  Part of me felt like we shouldn’t leave Tabitha alone now that she knew the truth, but the way she had comforted the Woodling child stuck in my mind. I didn’t think she’d take it out on the baby.

  “Go on, we’ll finish up here. See you tomorrow morning. Eight on the dot.” Tad waved me off.

  I turned to Caitlin. “Remember, my offer is open.”

  She nodded. “I’ll remember, thank you. If I en
d up needing to crash on your sofa, I’ll call you.”

  “What’s going on?” Tad asked.

  Caitlin stared at the monitor, at the sleeping Woodling. “I’m telling my family that I won’t go through with the arranged marriage. Arlo is pressing for a wedding date. So, I may be kicked out of my family and the Pride by tomorrow.”

  Tad’s eyes shimmered for a moment, and I could see the wheels turning in his brain. But I didn’t have time to stay.

  “All right, I’ll see you tomorrow. Somebody make sure Tabitha’s all right before you leave.” I slipped my jacket on.

  As I headed out toward my car, I couldn’t get my mind off the changeling. The poor baby, taken from its mother, set under a glamour that hid who she really was. It was bad enough to think of the human children, stolen away, but somehow, it seemed like the Zoey-imposter would also have a difficult future to face, as well as an identity crisis.

  Chapter Nine

  By the time I got home it was nearly five-thirty. I raced upstairs, yanking at my shirt. By the time I reached my bedroom, the shirt was off and I tossed it to the side, then pulled off my boots and shimmied out of my jeans. I rifled through the closet, finding a black halter dress with deep blue roses on it. It had a flowing skirt. I changed out for a strapless-look bra that had clear plastic straps, since strapless never worked well on G-cups, and then slid the dress over my head. I touched up my makeup and took my hair out of the ponytail, brushing it so the waves cascaded around my shoulders.

  I added another coat of mascara, changed out my lip lacquer for a darker shade—a blackberry—and then slid on a black velvet blazer. I opted for a pair of moderate-heel pumps, also black velvet. I loved high heels, but they had to be chunky—I had long outgrown my stiletto days. In fact, I’d never been comfortable with spiked heels. Wearing a pair of Manolos set me up for a sprained ankle, given my unerring ability to find the only crack in an entire town of flat sidewalks. Finally, I sprayed a very light dusting of vanilla spice perfume on my wrists and tossed my phone, wallet, and keys into a black beaded clutch.

  As I headed downstairs, the doorbell rang.

  As I opened the door, there stood Killian and his sister, Tally. I could see the family resemblance. She was shorter, and had an athlete’s body, but she had the same glow to her eyes, and the same curly light brown hair. She was also sporting a cane. Tally was dressed in a brown skirt and a green and orange paisley blouse, and her hair was held back by a matching scarf. She wore a camel-colored pea coat that was hanging open.

  Killian introduced us then asked, “Do you want to head out? Our reservation is for six-twenty.”

  “Lucky’s takes reservations?” I asked, surprised. Most diners didn’t bother with reserving tables.

  “Yeah, for dinner. They’re a popular spot. So, are you ready?”

  I nodded. “I have everything I need.” I hadn’t fed the cats, but then I usually fed them their second meal right before bedtime. Leaving the living room light on for them, and the porch light for me, I followed Killian and Tally out to his SUV. Tally was having some problems with her walking still, so I suggested she ride shotgun and I would sit in the back.

  She gave me a grateful look. “Thank you. That would make it a lot easier for me to get in and out of the car.”

  Killian helped her in, then stopped me before I climbed into the back seat. “Thank you,” he whispered. “That was really considerate.”

  “She’s obviously still having problems from the accident,” I said. “I’m not going to make things more difficult for her.” I kissed him, then slid into the back seat and fastened my seat belt.

  The trip down to the restaurant was pleasant enough. Tally seemed fairly easygoing, and she was talkative so that it didn’t feel like I had to force the conversation.

  “So, my brother tells me that you’re witchblood?”

  I nodded, then realized she couldn’t see me from the front seat. “Yes, I am. My family was one of the founding families in Moonshadow Bay. We arrived here in the early 1900s.”

  “Our Pack originated in California, but during the big fires a few years ago, our lands were devastated. Instead of rebuilding, we decided to set out and join other packs. The Alpha had been killed during the fire, so we were minus a leader, and his widow didn’t have the heart to take over until she could find a new mate.” Tally cleared her throat. “It took another fire to get goofus here to join us.” She poked her brother in the arm.

  I blinked. I hadn’t known any of that. Killian never seemed to be interested in discussing matters surrounding his Pack.

  “Well, I’m glad he moved up here.” I paused, then asked, “What made you choose the area you live in—Killian said you live near Mount Rainier, right?”

  She nodded. “We live in Carbonado. We love the woods, and when my parents chose to move, I was living at home, after my divorce. They found a house right outside the town. I own a trailer home a little farther out. I work at the Carbonado Market. I’m a cashier.”

  I realized that I hadn’t really asked Killian much about his family, although I knew bits and pieces. Feeling like I had maybe shortchanged him by ignoring that side of his life, I said, “So, what do your parents do? And your brother?”

  “Darryn is living in Puyallup now. He’s a mechanic. Our mother teaches fifth grade, and our father is an accountant.” Tally paused, then said, “Killian said you were married before? I was too, which was a big mistake.”

  I remembered that Killian had mentioned—shortly after we first met—that Tally had been in a bad marriage. “Yeah, it was a mistake on my part too. He gaslighted me a lot, then cheated me out of a business that we built together. But that’s done and over with.”

  “Sometimes things work out in ways you don’t expect them to,” Tally said. “I’m sorry you had to put up with that. My ex used to beat me whenever he got drunk, and he was an alcoholic.”

  “I still wish you’d let me go after him,” Killian said in a low growl.

  “I told you, no. I don’t want you in trouble because I know you. He’d be dead and you’d be in prison. You do not have my permission to take him on. Besides, his liver will do the job for him. He’s so far gone, I don’t think he could stop if he wanted to.”

  We arrived at the restaurant. I popped out of the back seat and opened Tally’s door, helping her out. She thanked me with a smile, and we filed into the diner. They had reserved a back booth for us and we slid in, Tally sitting on the outside where it was easiest for her to get in and out. Killian was sitting in the middle—it was a U-shaped booth—and I sat opposite Tally.

  We ordered—fried chicken all around, and steak fries. I asked for a chocolate milkshake, Killian wanted strawberry, and Tally asked for a root beer float.

  “I love diner food,” she said. “It’s always so good. I’m a Twin Peaks fan—loved that show—and every time I go to a diner I want cherry pie.”

  I laughed. “I’ve watched reruns of the show and yeah, it does make cherry pie and coffee sound like the best thing in the world.”

  As we ate, we discussed my work. I told them about Tabitha and the Woodlings. “We’re going to have to go into the Mystic Wood to see if we can track down Zoey. I’m not looking forward to tangling with the Woodlings. I saw one last night. Killian was with us.”

  “Yes, I was, and the thought of you heading into the woodland to try to find the kid doesn’t sit well with me. I’ll come with you. You’re not equipped to fight back if they get rough. And from what I understand, some of the Fae can play very roughly.”

  I nodded. “Yeah, I understand that as well. The Woodlings aren’t like the Tuatha de Dannan, but they’re devious. They also remind me of sculptures.”

  “They’re only nominally humanoid, and who knows if that’s even their normal shape,” Killian said.

  “Well, whatever the case, I’m not optimistic about finding Zoey.” I sighed, picking at my chicken.

  “Eat up,” Killian said. “There’s nothing you can do tonig
ht to help.” He paused. “By the way, have you had any chance to look over the things you found from your great-grandmother?”

  Relieved at the change in subject, I nodded. “Yes, actually. I found her book of shadows—it’s a magical diary, so to speak. And I’ve started reading it. I haven’t got very far, but I thought I might tackle some more this evening.”

  “You found your great-grandmother’s diary?” Tally asked. “That would be fascinating. I don’t think we ever met our great-grandmother,” she added. “Have we?”

  Killian shook his head. “She died before we were born.” He turned to me. “Great-Grandma Ina was shot by a hunter while she was in her alt-form. He was charged with murder—the court managed to prove that he knew who she was and that she was going into the woods in her wolf form, and it was well known that he hated shifters. When they cross-examined him, he broke down on the stand and confessed. The court turned him over to the Pack for justice. He was sentenced to work for Great-Grandpa for twenty years, and if he tried to run off, he’d be hanged. He put in a lot of years and from what I understand, he ended up trying to make up for what he did, once he saw how it affected the family.”

  “I guess some people can change,” I said, though it was hard for me to believe.

  “Some, but I never count on it,” Killian said.

  I turned to Tally. “How’s your leg doing? You were pretty broken up there, from what Killian was telling me.”

  “I’m healing, but I may never be the same. Now that I can take my alt-shape again, it’s a bit better—I do much better in wolf form, to be honest. I don’t hurt as much, I can move better. Sometimes, I take my alt-form for the night because I sleep better that way.”

  It suddenly occurred to me what a different world they lived in. They had two sides to their life, literally. I’d never really thought too much about being anything other than a witch, but now I wondered what it was like to be a shifter.