Pammy didn't explain not inviting me into her house. She didn’t need to. Some old school witches guarded their homes fervently. They didn't want other witches to take personal items to be used against them later or let anyone read the house’s energy to see what kind of magic was performed there. The temptation to get a read on the house flirted with me. I could probably pull it off, even from the backyard, but I wasn't sure if Pammy’s talent felt when magic was being worked. It would be rude, being invited to the house was an honor, even if I wasn't going to be let in.

  "So, kid, who done it?"

  I took a sip of my mocha before answering. "An old boyfriend, Grant Vonn. He was a T.A. who threw Violet to the curb after she slept with him. He seems to have pretty strong prejudice against witches."

  "I would too, if I was human and cursed."

  Taking Violet's journal out of my purse, I handed it to her. "Definitely, but what from what I read, Grant had strong feelings prior to sleeping with Violet. I believe ‘Satan's whore’ is what Violet said he called her. He wanted to experience the novelty of sleeping with a witch."

  Pammy winced as she took the journal from me. She studied the innocent looking blue book, running her hand along the spine. "Sounds like the fucker had it coming then."

  I nodded. "Yeah, but the bad news is, the curse evolved."

  Her brow creased, and her already husky voice lowered a notch. "What do you mean evolved?"

  "She cursed him to be invisible to women, but initially she could still see him."

  "Makes sense, given she should be able to see through her own magic."

  "Yeah well, he wouldn't apologize."

  "Idiot.” She snorted.

  "Mmhmm, the magic evolved to the point where she couldn't see him, magically or otherwise. Neither can I."

  She leaned forward in her chair. "What do you mean, you can't?"

  I told her about the attack the night before, leaving out the part where I retreated to a goblin plane. Substituting I managed to run out my door and met with Deval and a healer.

  "Who’s their healer, these days?" Her question was too casual.

  Not liking her tone didn’t change the fact I couldn't answer her if I wanted to, given the fact that I was knocked out. She obviously wanted the inside scoop on the goblin’s witch. I embellished my answer with a simple solution for not knowing. "I was blindfolded. I couldn't see who the witch was."

  "Well, those fuckers sure do like their secrets," she replied, buying it. "What did her magic feel like?"

  "Painful," I lied without blinking an eye.

  "Too bad," she muttered, obviously bothered by the fact she wasn't privy to every witch-related secret in her state. Since she had more than her fair share, she'd survive not getting the goblins’ as well.

  "The question now is, can men see him?" I steered us back on the right trail.

  She studied me. "They could originally?"

  "Yes."

  "Then they should, but with the way it evolved, we can't be sure."

  The word evolution brought my thoughts back to Fane. He liked games, and my gut told me that he may have left out a few key pieces of information. "I think the vampires would know."

  She nodded. "You're probably right. Looks like you need another meeting, but I'm coming along this time."

  My stomach turned. It was not what I wanted to here. "Huh?"

  "I know your aunt's history. You're tempting to them. I want to make sure they know you're not without allies."

  Color me surprised. "I didn't know you cared."

  "Of course I care, even more so now that those fuckers know I'm still in charge here."

  Ah, that made more sense.

  Before I could comment, she wedged her phone to her ear. "Fane, it’s Pammy. We need a meet." A mean little smile bloomed. "Ah now, sugar, I'm not coming to your territory. Gives you fellas the wrong idea. Bump and Grind in an hour. See you then." She hung up and nodded to me.

  “Why are they willing to come to your territory if you’re not willing to go to their’s?” I wondered out loud before I could stop myself.

  Pammy didn’t miss a beat. “The fuckers think their dicks are too big to get caught in a witch trap.”

  “Well, all right then.” I nodded.

  "Still got that collar?"

  "Not on me," I admitted.

  "No time to go get it. In the future, you should have a gear bag ready in your car."

  I nodded. "Do you have one?"

  "Nope, I usually have one available if a Fortune needs it, but I haven't replaced the one I gave you. I don't wear one anyway. They'd view it as a weakness."

  My fingers trembled as the sudden desire to slap Pammy overtook me. I clenched my fist instead. "But you sent me into their den wearing one."

  "Now, Sug, I didn't send you anywhere. You went as part of your job. You're a Fortune, so no need for politicking. They can think you're weak all they want, and you can have one less vulnerable spot. I, however, need to worry about politics, so I don't give them an excuse to think I'm weak, lest I have them trying to take over my territory."

  "Vampires can't be in charge of Fortunes. We'd never allow it."

  "Oh, you would if there was no other choice, or you were glamoured, at least until some other witches came in to reclaim the territory. It's happened before."

  "Really?" My hands became clammy just thinking about it.

  "Yup, don't worry, it happened in Utah, but only lasted a week before I went in, kicked some ass, and set up a new sheriff."

  Strange I’d never heard about this before.

  "Of course we lost a few witches in the fray, but it's to be expected."

  Now it made sense, because she wouldn't want to advertise anyone had been killed on the expedition. Witches looked to her as a protector, not a General. In truth, she needed to be both. I didn’t want her job. "I wish our ancestors had wiped them out before we became susceptible to glamour and became mortal.”

  "You and me both.” She nodded vigorously. “They're vicious, hard to kill, and excellent fighters. Still, witches need to understand we must still stand up for ourselves, even if we can't outright war with them like before."

  I nodded in agreement. I didn't want to go to war with vampires, but I could see the likelihood of it. Hopefully, it never came to that. I wished I was braver, but I wasn't.

  She stood up then. "Time to get, girl. We need to be there first to make sure no other witches are around."

  "You don't want any extra back up?" I frowned.

  "Nope, this should be fairly straight forward and civil. I don't want to expose any of my people as future targets."

  "Great, just the two of us," I muttered.

  "You’re already a target thanks to your family’s history, living in your aunt’s old house, and the fact that you're a Fortune."

  "I knew that. I just don't like to dwell on it."

  "Hmmph, you don't need to dwell, you need to be aware." She marched back along the trail at her usual no nonsense pace.

  I lengthened my stride to follow. "Oh, I'm plenty aware now."

  "Good, now come on, girl, we don't have all day." She gestured for me to pick up my pace. I did.

  We took separate cars and arrived at Bump and Grind a half an hour before the scheduled meet. Only one witch lingered in the coffee shop. The others must have gotten the memo that Pammy was having some “me time” when she hadn’t appeared earlier in the day. Pammy was brusque with the woman, but as soon as she mentioned vampires, the proverbial fire was lit under the woman’s ass, and she rushed to get out the door.

  With nothing left to do but wait, we ordered coffee concoctions and went to sit at Pammy's usual spot. I started to sit in the usual armchair across from her, but she gestured me to a position beside her on the sofa.

  "We need to show a united front. You don’t want them coming up on your back."

  It was reassuring that Pammy was more concerned with my neck, than with seated power plays. It gave me warm fuzzies, until the bell above the door jingled and in strode Fane, with two vampires flanking him. They didn't bother with coffee and headed straight to us.

  Fane folded his large body into the armchair and his two friends stood behind him on either side. I recognized one of them as Mr. VIP from the Poppy Den. He didn't say anything, just stared straight ahead like the minion he was. His jaw tight with annoyance. Something told me he'd attack Fane in a hot minute, if he had an opening. For now, the little sidelong glances meant he was biding his time.

  Fane crossed his legs and leaned back, his arms draping casually over the armrests. "Ladies, I don't normally like being summoned, but with the promise of two lovely creatures, I couldn't resist."

  "Flattery is not necessary, Fane. The only way you'd ever get a taste of me is from my cold corpse. I know you prefer something a bit warmer." Pammy’s gaze fell firmly on Fane’s nose. It was still pretty badass.

  "Oh, Pammy, don't you worry, I have a microwave, and for your blood I'm okay with reheated."

  "You always say the sweetest things, but as that day is not going to be today. Let's move on to the subject at hand." Her voice held no worry. I looked over, and her face remained smooth and relaxed. Pammy was my new hero.

  "The day is still young; you never know what kind of meal I might have tonight."

  "I know you like to play with your food, but we both know this is bluster. Peg is charged. I'm charged. You wouldn't stand a chance. If, for some reason, you were able to kill us, what do you think the goblins would do to you? Peg here is quite cozy with their prince and investigating on his behalf. His mother would be very put out if you upset her boy."

  "You ladies seem to keep hiding behind the goblins.” He leaned back into the armchair steepling his fingers. “Have old alliances been renewed? I haven't received any declarations."

  "No, we're still flying solo, but while Peg is friendly with them. I'd think twice, if I were you."

  Pammy was lying through her teeth but managed to brush uncomfortably close to the truth. Deval didn't have any interest in me romantically, but I wondered what my goblin heritage would mean if the vampires killed or hurt me, even after our working relationship was over. I needed to ask Deval, but it felt presumptuous. Would any protection extend to my family? Things to ponder later. I didn't mind letting Pammy run lead, she was after all, my boss. But I wanted to get this show on the road. "You knew about the curse on Grant Vonn. I need to know if you can see him."

  Fane's attention snapped to me, his arctic stare making me wishing I kept my mouth shut. Still, I held my gaze directly in the middle of his forehead, trying to mimic Pammy's stare.

  "The young T.A. I'd nearly forgotten about him."

  "How could you have forgotten about him? Why didn't you bring him up when I came into the Poppy Den?"

  Pammy leaned back into the couch cushions, letting me take lead with a false nonchalance. A little buzz of electricity popped in the air. If Fane made good on his threats, she was primed for an attack.

  "Silly girl, we're not on the same team. Yes, I was fond of Violet. Her blood was exquisite, though I expect yours would be even better. A great insult was placed against us at her murder, and we will take care of it our own way."

  "Why didn't you say so?" I asked sarcastically.

  Pammy didn't move, but she got back in the swing of the conversation. "She may have been your blood whore, but she was still a witch. We take care of our own, even when they’re led astray."

  That wasn't entirely true, but Pammy needed to maintain a strong stance.

  "Ladies, it's been fun, but I'm feeling peckish. Since you two aren't yet willing to make the offer, I must go to one of the other lovely witches at my beck and call. Good luck finding a man you cannot see. We do not have such a problem. Also, thank you for confirming the curse has held, even after Violet's death." Fane stood up abruptly and headed toward the door, his men following behind him. Once there, he stopped and turned back to us, giving a little finger wave before blowing us a kiss. The gesture was ridiculous but still sent a shiver down my spine.

  When the door closed behind them, my muscles turned to jelly and I sunk into the couch.

  "Who knew the sociopaths would be so sentimental?" Pammy muttered.

  "If they planned on killing Grant anyway, why didn't they say that when I went to the Poppy Den?"

  "They like games, Sug. Besides, as much as I want to let them take out the trash, there is still the question of how he stole the chest from the goblins. The goblins are neutral for now, but I don't think their prince will be very happy if he’s cut off from the answers as to how the hell that happened."

  "Him or his mother."

  "Nope, the ice queen wouldn't like having justice taken from her. We already planned on executing him ourselves since murder trumps theft. But you still need to find out how he got in the goblin's house to steal the safe. Nobody should know where their actual homes are. And no, the high rise he took you to last night doesn't count."

  My eyebrows raised. "How did you know it was a high rise?"

  "I didn't, you confirmed it. This information is harmless, but you need to learn to watch your responses and reactions."

  "Too bad there's not a Fortune boot camp."

  "There is actually. It's run freelance and costs a mint, but after you get a few paychecks under your belt, it wouldn't hurt to look into it," she told me helpfully.

  "That might have been good information to have before I started working for you."

  "You didn't ask, and you can't afford it yet. No need to worry about professional development until you're all in anyway. Though I can see you're getting there, which is why I brought it up."

  Before I could respond, my phone went off. Ivy's name popped up on my screen. I looked at Pammy and stood, grabbing my purse. "I need to get moving. I'll keep you updated."

  Walking toward the door, I heard her call from behind me, "You better, Sug, and make sure to be careful."

  I turned back and gave her a quick nod before walking out the door. Accepting the call, I lifted the phone to my ear.

  16

  Ivy didn't say hello. "Peg, Imogen called. She needs to see you."

  "Perfect, I need to see her too." The universe was suddenly on my side again.

  “It was weird. She called right after I’d gotten your message. I’m worried she’s on something. She keeps talking about murder and ghosts.”

  “Sounds like she’s had rough time of it.” I fumbled with my keys to open the Jeep’s door, finally getting it open and climbing in. Silence met my comment. Pulling the phone away from my ear, I checked the screen. The call wasn’t dropped. I placed it back to my ear. “Ivy, you still there?”

  Another brief moment of silence, then Ivy cleared her throat. “Yeah sorry, I expected you to tell me she was being crazy. Not about the murders, but about the ghosts. Good Lord, now I have to worry about ghosts?” She ended the sentence on a decidedly shrill note.

  I sighed. “I never said there was such a thing as murdering ghosts.”

  “I didn’t say murdering ghosts. I said regular ghosts. There are murdering ghosts?” If her voice went any higher my windshield would be a goner.

  “Ivy pull it together, I did not say that there were ghosts, let alone murdering ghosts.”

  “But you’re not saying there’s not,” she accused.

  “I will tell you that I’ve never encountered one.”

  Apparently I’d given the right answer. “Well, good then. I told Imogen she should speak to you. I thought I’d have to push the issue, but she was downright eager, if nervous, to meet up with a Fortune.”

  “Great, when and where did she want to meet? Please tell me she’s still in the Phoenix area.”

  “She is. She wants to meet at the old McDonald’s off Main Street in Mesa. I think she can be there in a half hour.”

  “I can do that.”

  “Just keep my baby sister safe.” She hung up.

  I can’t even keep myself safe, doubt whispered in my ear.

  Ideally the meeting would have been in private so we could speak more openly, but Imogen sounded a bit skittish. With the new intel on Grant, it might be safer, so there had been no point in arguing. I ended up at a rundown McDonald's on Main Street that had yet to receive a corporate face-lift. The fast food outlet was fairly busy, and the shrieks of small children playing in the ball pit rang through the air. I waited in line and got a large Diet Pepsi before taking over a booth as far away from the playground and the other patrons as possible.

  The minute she walked in, I recognized her. She looked a lot like Ivy, with her long dark hair and tanned skin. She was wearing a pair of sunglasses. Hopefully, she wore them because of the sun and not because she thought they were a good disguise. She turned her head scanning the restaurant. I gave her a little wave. She tensed, probably taken aback that I easily recognized her. She came to the booth with obvious reluctance, practically dragging her feet. Sitting on the very edge of the bench seat, she was ready to run at a moment’s notice.

  "Hi there, my name is Peg. I'm guessing you're Imogen?"

  The girl took a deep breath before answering, "Yeah, Ivy said you might be able to help me."

  "I can certainly try. Do you want to tell me what's going on?"

  She took another shuddering breath. "You’ll probably think I'm crazy, but there's a ghost following me."

  To my knowledge ghosts weren't a thing, but I didn't need share that tidbit. This girl was scared, and my gut told me I knew who her ghost was.

  I pointed to myself. "Witch here. It takes a lot for me to think you're crazy."

  Her shoulders relaxed. "I was staying with Violet after my fiancé died."

  "Your sister mentioned that. I'm sorry for your loss."

  She nodded sharply. She tipped her head back, but I saw the trembling lip, and a tear escaped past her sunglasses that she hastily wiped away. "It was really hard; we'd been together since high school. I needed to get out of Tucson when it happened. Ivy suggested going to stay with Violet for a bit. She wasn't as close with us as she was when we were younger, but we still thought of her as family. So, I called her up. She told me that I could stay with her. I came down, you know, to get away from all of the reminders. It was like suddenly every place I went held a memory of Zack. He was everywhere."

 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25