With scream and sugar, p.7
With Scream and Sugar, page 7
I opened the locker and pulled out my cell to check for messages. I had a new text, and my stomach dropped when I saw it was from my ex, Desmond. Hands trembling, I punched the button to pull up the message.
I get that you’re not over me, but how could you have put a hex on me?! I thought you were better than this, but I should’ve known—I shouldn’t have trusted a witch! Make this better, or else!
I nearly dropped the phone. What the spell was that supposed to mean? I hadn’t hexed him… had I? Could I subconsciously cast spells? And what did he mean by “or else”?
I let out a shaky sigh, my eyes stinging with tears. As if clearing Fitz’s name, saving my own life, and solving a murder weren’t enough to deal with—now my ex was accusing me of cursing him!
12
Pains
After the spa day, I escorted the women to a lovely, intimate restaurant just down the street where the meal passed without incident. Well, almost. Julianne continued to complain of stomach upset, blaming the cafe at the spa and their, in her words, inedible refuse.
At first I chalked up Julianne's complaints to her grumpy disposition, but by the end of the evening I realized she seemed to be in genuine distress. She clutched her stomach and groaned. We cut the dinner slightly short, and I escorted them back to their boutique hotel. Housed in one of Bath's classic, honey-colored stone townhomes, the hotel was all elegance and charm. Part of it was dedicated to a spa, and the whole place was decked out in absolute luxury, from the delicate furniture to the lush velvet drapes and overflowing bouquets of flowers around every corner.
I reminded all the women of the time we’d be leaving tomorrow to tour an estate just outside town. We’d be touring the classic Regency home as well as taking lunch on the sprawling green grounds. I was excited, and after the relaxing spa day, some of the stress and anxiety caused by Amanda’s death the day before seemed to be eased. The group laughed and chatted and seemed eager for the tour tomorrow. I knew I was. As a big fan of Jane Austen and anything Regency-era, I couldn’t wait to tour the sprawling estate.
The plan was for me to return in the morning to help round up the group and get everybody successfully on the tour bus. I was just coming down from the third story, where I’d gone door to door, reminding the ladies of their itinerary, when I came across some of my top suspects gathered in the hall outside their rooms—Madison, Julianne, Paula, Bunny, and Renee huddled together in a little circle.
Julianne clutched Madison's arm, and the dark-haired young woman frowned down at her in concern. “Maybe we should take you to a doctor.”
The old lady scowled, her face crumpling. “No! It's just food poisoning from that terrible spa cafe.” She made a disgusted noise in the back of her throat. “That girl Amanda would book us at a dump like that.”
I raised my brows. The elegant spa had hardly been a dump. And what a way to talk about a girl who’d just been murdered the day before.
Paula placed her hands on her hips. “Oh, Mother! Amanda’s dead. Show some respect.”
I had to agree.
An electronic beep sounded, and Paula pulled her phone from her pocket. As she scanned the screen, her brow furrowed and she groaned.
Bunny, her hands folded over her round stomach, glanced at her phone. “What’s wrong?”
Paula looked like she was about to cry. “I’ve got to go check in on the renovation.” She slapped a hand to her forehead. “The roof sprang a leak, and it's ruining a week's worth of work.”
I winced. Poor woman—she seemed absolutely harried between her work and her cranky mother.
Julianne scowled. “You wouldn't have to be so busy with work if you'd married someone of your own class.” She turned to Madison. “Instead, she married that deadbeat husband of hers who went and died on her and left her without any money to—”
Paula stomped her foot and held her arms stiff at her sides. “Mother—shut it.” She bared her teeth and stared her elderly mother down.
Madison and Bunny turned to her, wide-eyed, and even Julianne looked taken a bit aback at her harsh tone. Renee licked her lips and then placed a gentle hand on Paula’s arm. “But the police said you can't leave, dear.”
Paula glanced back down at her phone. “I know, but technically it is in Bath, and I'll be back before long.” She turned to face the pregnant Bunny. “Will you take care of my mother, please?”
Bunny’s nostrils flared, and she shot the old woman a hard look, then forced her features into a tight-lipped smile. “Of course. It's what a good neighbor does, after all.”
Julianne scoffed. “You're a terrible neighbor. That’s why I have to bang on the wall all the time.”
Bunny rolled her eyes. “Yes, which is so pleasant.”
I raised my brows. So these two were neighbors and actually shared a wall. Poor Bunny, living next to the grumpy old Julianne and having her bang on the wall all the time. I could imagine what that would be like once Bunny actually had her baby and the newborn was crying and trying to sleep. If I were Bunny, I'd probably be looking to move.
Madison squeezed the older woman tight to her side. “No worries, I'll look after her.”
Bunny glared at the dark-haired young woman. “You do like to insert yourself into other people's relationships, don't you?” She sniffed and lifted her nose, then waddled down the hall a few steps towards me. “I’ll go ask the concierge to get us some Alka-Seltzer and pain meds.” She blinked when she caught sight of me. “Oh!”
The other women all jumped and spun to face me. “Sorry to startle you, but is it alright if I head out, Renee? I’ll be back in the morning an hour before it's time to leave.”
Renee, who still had bags under eyes despite all the relaxing spa treatments, nodded and shot me a grateful smile. “Thank you for all your help today, Minnie. See you in the morning.”
I waved goodbye and started down the steps. These women certainly had a complicated relationship, and I was one day down, with only two to go to prove Fitz’s innocence to the vampire council. I still didn’t feel any closer to figuring out who’d killed Amanda, or why.
But I had another lead to follow up on. I checked my watch and jogged quicker down the stairs. I just hoped I'd make it before the shop closed for the night.
13
Bookshop
I hurried through the dusky streets of Bath towards the By Book or By Crook bookstore. Although I was beginning to suspect that Amanda had been killed by accident, with the killer targeting Madison, I was still perplexed by the connection to the book. What about that Jane Austen book with its green gilded pages had caught Amanda's eye and prompted Julianne to slap her over it? And why had Amanda snuck out during the tea to call the bookstore? Had it just been a coincidence? Or had she been killed over the connection to the book?
The heels of my boots clicked along the cobblestones as I nearly jogged to make it to the bookstore before closing. I wound through the twisty streets, a light rain misting my cheeks and cars swishing down the streets, their headlamps casting golden beams through the fog. I found the little bookstore down a narrow alley, its wooden sign hanging from iron brackets above the door.
I ducked inside, grateful to find the door still unlocked and the interior warm and dry. A bell tinkled as the door swung shut behind me, and I stamped my feet on the welcome mat. Stuffed shelves overflowing with books crowded the tiny bookstore. The place smelled of dust and old pages, and I grinned as I looked around. I'd have to come back when I wasn't here on sleuthing business and do some browsing.
It looked as though they specialized in old and antique books, and I immediately found myself intrigued. The shelves rose high to the second story, with rolling ladders allowing access to the upper shelves. I skirted past a cart piled high with books with tattered covers and broken bindings, and stepped up to the checkout counter.
I drummed my fingers on the polished wood and rose on my toes to glance behind the counter. A middle-aged woman with long blond hair tumbling over her comfy-looking cardigan pushed through the curtain that led to the back. She stopped dead and started as she caught sight of me, fumbling to keep ahold of her armful of books.
“Sorry, I didn't hear you come in.” She shot me an apologetic smile. “Apologies, but we're actually closing.”
I glanced back at the door and the hours printed on it. I knew I'd snuck in just minutes before closing, but I hoped she'd help me out.
“No worries, I actually just wanted to ask you a few questions, if that's alright?”
She bit her lip, and her brows pinched together, and I knew she was about to turn me down.
I plastered on a bright smile. “It'll only take a minute—I promise.”
She sighed and dumped the books onto the counter beside me. “If it'll only take a minute….”
I nodded and laced my fingers together, resting them on the counter in front of me. “I just wanted to ask you about a particular book. I was just gifted it, and the bookmark inside was from your store.”
The woman wrapped her cardigan tighter around her and stepped closer. “What book was that?”
“It was a first edition of Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey. A really gorgeous book.”
The woman pressed her lips together and nodded slowly, as if searching back through her memory. She tapped a finger to her chin. “Yes, you know, someone did buy a copy of Northanger Abbey from me about three weeks ago, I think.”
My heart picked up its space. I might be able to get to the bottom of who had given Julianne the secret Valentine’s gift.
“Could you tell me what she looked like?”
The woman gave me a hard look. I didn't blame her for being a little suspicious; it was a strange question. I decided to give her a version of the truth.
“It was actually a secret Valentine's gift, and I know how expensive and rare such a copy is. I wanted to be able to thank whoever gave it to me, but none of my friends will own up to it.” I shrugged and tried for a friendly smile, hoping she’d buy my fib. It wasn’t too far off from the truth.
Her hard look softened, and her eyes grew far away as if she was searching back through her memory. “Well… I recall she was average height... I don't know, she had a big coat on, and her hair was tucked under a scarf. She wore big sunglasses, I think.”
That wasn't much help. At least I knew it was a woman, but I’d guessed as much already since the gift had come from someone in the Regency Ladies Club.
“Do you know if she was older or younger?”
The woman winced. “I’m sorry, but it was hard to tell. I’d guess she was anywhere from thirty to late fifties. Not super young or old.”
That age range would include Bunny, Paula, and Madison.
She leaned closer and lowered her voice. “She was a bit secretive, if you ask me. The sunglasses especially seemed strange. And I do remember that she called first to make sure I had the book and put it on hold.”
That gave me an idea. “Do you have a copy of the receipt maybe? Could we look up her name?”
She shook her head. “She paid cash.”
The cash, the scarf and sunglasses… it all pointed to someone trying to hide their identity. But why? I was starting to suspect that this book might have actually had something to do with Amanda’s death.
The woman glanced toward the door and raised her eyebrows at me, clearly eager to close up shop. I bounced on my heels, trying to think quickly. What other way could I angle to get more information about this book and the mysterious woman who purchased it?
“You know, there was something unique about it. Could you tell me a little bit more about that green gilding on the pages? Do you have any more books like that?”
The woman frowned and leaned back. “Oh no, that book didn't have gilded green pages.” She shook her head. “I’ve never even seen a book like that. I'm afraid the book must have been bought from another store, then. I'd have remembered something like that.”
I frowned and let out a heavy sigh. I’d run into a dead end. I patted the counter. “Thank you so much for your time.” I looked around the store and gave her a smile. “I’m sure I'll be back to do some browsing.”
She nodded. “Just be sure to come during regular hours.”
With that slight rebuke, I headed back out into the dark night. The rain was falling harder now, an eerie mist rising up from the shining cobblestones. I thought over the woman’s words. Had I gotten the wrong bookstore then? If so, why had that bookmark been tucked into its pages? I was no closer to figuring out who’d given Julianne the book or why Amanda had been calling about it.
My stomach tightened as I realized I was one day down, with only two to go. What if I couldn't solve the mystery in time? What would it mean for Fitz to be confined to the vampire nest, and what would happen to the tearoom?
I’d started out wanting to save the cafe and get on Fitz's good side so I could stay in Bath and keep my magical powers. But I’d come to care for both Fitz and his Butler Cafe in a deep, personal way now. My stomach twisted at the thought that I might lose both. But at least I wouldn’t have to worry about missing Fitz, because if all that happened, I’d be an appetizer for the council.
I hurried through the dark streets back to Gus's townhouse. I was eager to curl up in front of the fire with a hot mug of tea in my hands and Tilda in my lap. I hoped talking it all over with Gus would help organize my thoughts.
My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out, only to see a calendar notification.
Snakes! (It was a gentle curse word I’d picked up from hanging out with Mim, who said it often.)
I’d forgotten about my monthly lesson with the older witch. I checked the time—I was only around the corner from her potions shop and could make it if I hurried. I let out a weary sigh. Despite the long day, Tilda and the fire would have to wait just a little longer.
14
Scrying
I ducked through a dark tunnel and spotted Mim’s shop up ahead. To a non-magical person, it just looked like a stretch of honey-colored stone. But to witches like me, warm golden light spilled from the big front window, which was crowded with dried hanging herbs, baskets full of flowers, crystals, bundles of sage, and a handmade broomstick hanging above it all.
Bells tinkled as I pushed inside the warm cottage-like space. More bundles of dried herbs and flowers hung from the rough-hewn beams above, and the heavy floral scents of lavender, rose, and sage filled the warm air.
“Hi, Mim.” I approached the witch who worked behind the counter.
Mim swept a tendril of long, wiry gray hair out of her face and tucked it behind her ear, then winked a twinkling blue eye at me. “Hi, pet.” She peered behind me. “Is it still coming down hard out there?”
I nodded as I slipped out of my rain-dewed wool coat and hung it on a wrought iron hook beside the counter. I slid onto a tall stool across from her as she continued to wrap a bundle of sage and an amethyst crystal with a silver string, humming a little tune as she did so.
Though my shoulders relaxed and some of the weariness of the day melted away in the warm cozy shop, Mim still picked up on my mood... just like she always did. Sometimes I felt like she could read me like a spellbook.
Without even looking up, she raised a brow. “Hard day, pet?”
I let out a heavy sigh, folded my arms on the counter, and thunked my forehead down on them. “Well... there was another murder at the tea shop, the vampire council is after Fitz, and I foolishly volunteered to prove his innocence.”
Mim’s hand stilled and she looked up, a grin tugging at the corner of her mouth. “Is that all?”
I shook my head. “Nope. I'm also taking over for the dead woman as event coordinator for the Regency Ladies Club this weekend.” I leaned my cheek into my hand and groaned. “My feet hurt, my back's aching, and my head's spinning. I’ve only got two more days to prove Fitz’s innocence, or he gets put on house arrest with the nest… whatever that is.”
Mim returned to wrapping the little smudging bundle and shook her head. “Vampires…”
“Oh, and get this.” I pulled my phone from my pocket, opened it to the text from Desmond, and held it up so Mim could read. “The divorce papers are signed and we’re just waiting for government approval, so I was assuming he’d be out of my life. But now Desmond's threatening me because he thinks I hexed him.”
Mim pulled her reading glasses up from the beaded chain that hung around her neck and leaned close, peering at my phone. She scanned the text and then snorted, pulled her glasses off, and went back to wrapping up the bundle. “Tosser.”
I grinned for what felt like the first time all day. Finally, someone who could sympathize with me. I bit my lip and asked her the question that had been bugging me all afternoon. “I couldn't have accidentally cursed Desmond without knowing it, could I?” I tensed as I waited for her answer.
Mim finished wrapping the bundle and snipped the loose end with a pair of silver scissors shaped like a stork, then set them both aside. She bent forward and leaned elbows on the wooden counter. “No.” She shook her head. “Definitely not. He's just being an arse.”
I chuckled.
She raised a brow. “You told him though? That you’re a witch?”
My chest and cheeks flushed hot with shame and embarrassment. “I know—I know it was stupid.” I dropped my face into my hands and then peeked at her between my fingers. “Am I in trouble?”
She shot me a look that was a mix of pity and amusement. She often looked at me this way, constantly reminding me that I was a newbie witch who had no idea about anything in the magical world. At least I was slowly learning with our monthly lessons.
