Magic & Murder; Magic & Mystery; Magic & Mischief, page 17
part #1 of Starry Hollow Witches Series
He waved me off. “Not at all. Yes, you made an egregious error and I was…less than pleased with you. However, you’ve shown yourself to possess many of the qualities we look for in a journalist. You’ve proven yourself to be tenacious, resourceful, and—dare I say it—intelligent.”
I straightened in my chair. Wow. High praise, indeed. “Thanks. I don’t think I’ve heard that many complimentary adjectives since I walked by the construction site on Ferry Avenue at lunchtime.”
He allowed himself a small smile. “You’re so unlike the rest of your family.”
“And you’re surprised because…? I didn’t grow up with a Silver Moon spoon in my mouth, remember?”
“And you have your mother’s coloring, as well as her attitude,” he said softly. “I’m sure that ruffles the end of your aunt’s broomstick.”
Wait. What? “You knew my mother?”
His green eyes widened slightly. “Of course. Why wouldn’t I have?”
“It…It just never occurred to me. You’re a turned vampire, right? Not like Uri.”
He sniffed. “Yes, turned, of course.”
Ah, a pecking order even among vampires.
“How old are you exactly?” I asked.
“A gentlemanly vampire never reveals his true age.”
“Really? I thought vampires were all about throwing their ages around. Like measuring their…”
He cleared his throat. “As I said, a gentlemanly vampire…”
Right. “So you knew my mother.”
“Mmm.”
“Were you two ever an item?” Please say no. Please say no.
“No.”
Phew.
“She and your father were destined for each other,” he said. “It was clear to everyone who knew them.” He gave me a wry smile. “So it’s interesting to me that two romantics like your parents could produce…you.”
“Well, in case it’s escaped your memory, one of my parents died when I was a baby and the other one was left to raise me alone, so not sure that the destined-for-each-other thing worked out in the end.”
He studied me for a moment—so closely that I felt his breath warm on my neck. My pulse picked up the pace and I hoped like hell his vampire hearing didn’t detect the rapid beat of my heart.
Finally, he clucked his tongue. “So cynical, Ember Rose. Perhaps Starry Hollow will cure what ails you.”
I bristled. “Nothing ails me, thank you very much.”
He met my firm gaze. “Apologies. Offending you was not my intent.”
“That’s quite all right, Alec,” I said, and caught the flicker of surprise in his eyes. No more Mr. Hale. From now on, he was Alec to me and he was going to like it.
“I’ve written a story on Fleur, as well,” he said. “I took it over from Bentley.”
“Why? I thought you assigned it to me.”
“And I wasn’t certain what the outcome would be.” He placed the papers on the desk in front of me. “Would you like to read it and decide which one is best to use? No pressure to use mine, of course.”
Now it was my turn to show surprise. “Me? Why would I know which one is best? You’re the big deal editor.”
“Isn’t it obvious? You have gotten to know Fleur better than anyone in this office. You asked the right questions and elicited the right answers from your interview subjects.” He placed a strong hand on my arm and the effect was nothing short of electric. “I think you might make a fine journalist one day, given the proper training.”
“I think so, too,” I said, trying my best to sound confident.
“Not to mention your continued employment here will exacerbate the sheriff’s persistent foul mood,” he added with a mischievous grin.
“You two really dislike each other, don’t you?”
He gave a modest shrug. “Werewolves and vampires have never been the best of friends under any circumstances.”
“Well, you’re in good company because he doesn’t seem to care for my family very much either.”
“I know, which is why it pleases me to no end that you’re a Rose.” He rolled back the chair and stood. “Have a pleasant evening, Miss Rose. I expect I’ll see you bright and early tomorrow.”
“Goodnight…Alec.”
It was only after he left the office that his statement dawned on me. Why on earth did it please him that the sheriff didn’t care for me? I had no idea. Too bad I couldn’t read his mind.
I lifted the papers from my desk and began to read.
Prescott Peabody III ran to the front door, barking like a crazy dog.
“What’s the matter, buddy?” I asked. No one knocked or rang the bell. Maybe Florian was out in the field shooting birds or taking down broomsticks, although I didn’t hear any gunshots.
I opened the front door and peered outside. Nothing and no one. As I went to close the door, my gaze dropped to the front step and I saw the potted flower.
“Oh.” I lifted the white ceramic pot and admired the single purple flower. I recognized it as an orchid like the ones Garland had shown me in the high school greenhouse.
Marley joined me in the doorway. “How pretty. Is there a card?”
I turned the pot from side to side. “No card.” I brought it into the house and closed the door. “Where should I put it?”
“I think orchids need lots of sunlight. I’ll look it up.” Marley retrieved her tablet from the coffee table.
“Maybe I should leave it in your capable hands,” I told her. “You know I kill all living things.”
Marley smiled. “That’s not true. You’ve done a pretty good job with PP3 and me.”
“Yes, but you’re easy,” I said, rubbing the top of her head. “I just water you and feed you and you seem to thrive.” It was nothing to do with me. Marley was a marvel all on her own.
“You don’t give yourself enough credit, Mom,” Marley said. “Yes, it says here to put it somewhere with lots of light.”
I placed the pot on the ledge of the kitchen counter, above the sink but below the decorative willow heart.
“It looks nice there,” Marley said. “Just don’t forget to water it.”
“You’ll need to send me daily email reminders,” I said.
“You’re not that forgetful,” Marley replied. “Who do you think left it for you?”
I honestly had no idea. Garland and I had talked about flowers, but it seemed unlikely that the herbology expert would anonymously drop off an orchid.
“We’ll need to ask Aunt Hyacinth if her security cameras picked up anything,” I said.
“Don’t do that,” Marley said. “Whoever left it obviously doesn’t want you to know it was him.”
I cocked an eyebrow. “And what makes you think it’s a him?”
Marley giggled, reminding me of the ten-year-old that still lurked within the old soul of my daughter. “You’re an eligible maiden in a village of knights. Of course it’s a him.”
“First of all, we’ve already established that I am definitely not a maiden, nor a damsel-in-distress. I don’t need a knight because I don’t need rescuing.”
“Okay, fine. You don’t need one, but does that mean you can’t want one?”
I tousled her hair. “Right now, I’m perfectly content with PP3 and you.”
She bonked me on the nose. “Right now is the important phrase in that sentence.”
“Mind your own business, young lady. I don’t need you taking an interest in my love life.”
“Someone has to, if you expect to ever have one.”
I dusted off my hands. “I don’t expect to ever have one, so that solves that problem.”
Marley groaned in exasperation. “Mom, this is our chance for a fresh start. You know Dad wouldn’t want you to live the rest of your life alone. You’re too young for that.”
I kissed her forehead. “I’m not alone, silly.”
“I’m already ten,” she said. “In seven more years, I’ll leave for college. You need to focus on yourself.”
I popped my hands over my ears. “I can’t hear you. La la la.”
She rolled her eyes. “Very mature. Fine. Ignore the orchid. Ignore the town full of new opportunities.”
I heaved a sigh. “I’m not ignoring anything, Marley. I’m just…not ready.”
“Well, if you don’t start making an effort soon,” she warned, “I’m going to sign you up for every dating site in town. You won’t be able to keep up.”
My eyes bulged. “Do that and you won’t see the outside of these four walls for the next seven years. Consider it your princess tower.”
A knock on the front door startled us. I gave PP3 a sharp look. “Now you don’t bark?”
Florian stood on the front step. “Mother asks that you come to dinner tonight in the main house. Word has gotten back to her and she wants to hear all about your recent adventures.”
Oh, boy.
I fixed him with my hard stare. “Tell me the truth, Florian. Am I in trouble?”
He appeared surprised by the question. “In trouble? Goodness, no. Mother hasn’t sounded this excited since she enrolled Precious in feline finishing school. Oh, and she also has your passports.”
Our passports? “Then we accept the invitation.” I called over my shoulder to Marley. “Come on, kid. We’re wanted in the main house.”
For a brief moment, I pondered those words. We’re wanted.
“I’m right here,” Marley said, standing beside me.
I took my daughter by the hand and followed Florian back to the family home.
Magic & Mystery
Starry Hollow Witches, Book 2
Chapter One
“Sweet baby Elvis, stop contemplating the state of the universe and pick a spot,” I said, my patience wearing thin.
Prescott Peabody III, my nine-year-old Yorkie, looked up at me with a blank expression.
“This is the fifth patch of grass you’ve rejected,” I complained. “Why are they not good enough for your poop?”
It was like Waiting for Godot sometimes when I took PP3 out for a walk. His Royal Canine had definite ideas about which blades of grass were worthy of his feces. I’d blame our newfound affluence, except he was like this back in New Jersey, too.
As I impatiently awaited the not-so-grand finale of our walk, I surveyed the estate surrounding us. Behind us stood Rose Cottage, the charming house where my parents had lived and where I’d been born. Thornhold, the ancestral home where my aunt and cousin lived, stood in the distance. I still couldn’t believe I lived in a place as incredible as this. And I still couldn’t believe that a paranormal town like Starry Hollow existed. Until my arrival here, my travel had been limited to the New Jersey Turnpike and the shore, and my exposure to witches had been limited to multiple viewings of The Wizard of Oz. It had come as quite a shock to learn that I came from a long, distinguished line of witches and wizards.
My cousin Aster approached on foot, dressed in a stark white pantsuit and statement jewelry. She was the youngest of the Rose-Muldoon siblings, and the most like her mother—the formidable Hyacinth Rose-Muldoon.
“Oh, good. At least you’re alone,” she said.
I glanced down at the indecisive dog at my feet. “Not entirely.”
She ignored PP3. As a witch, she was partial to cats. “I made the mistake of dropping in to see Florian in the main house.”
“What’s wrong with that?”
She rolled her eyes. “He had a…friend over. He really needs to place a protective spell on the door when he’s entertaining guests.”
“Or you could try knocking,” I suggested.
She blew a dismissive raspberry. “Thornhold is not his bachelor playground, no matter how many toys and games he tries to cram into his man cave.” She glanced around the grounds. “Where’s Marley?”
“My ambitious ten year old is in the cottage, trying to decipher the runes I’ve been drawing.”
Aster flashed those perfect pearly whites. “Ah, runes. How are your lessons coming along?”
“I have runecraft again this week with Hazel, plus some lady called Marigold is coming by tomorrow.”
“Marigold?” Aster echoed. “I suppose it’s for your psychic skills assessment. I heard Mother mention it to someone on the phone.”
“Psychic skills?” I asked. “What’s that?”
“I’ll leave it to Marigold to explain,” Aster said. “So listen, Mother and I agree that it would be a good idea if you got involved with some of the nonprofits in town. Since I'm involved in several of them, I thought I’d invite you along to a meeting or two.”
"What kind of nonprofits?”
"There are a variety to choose from," she said. “I’m the chairwoman of the VWFF…”
“The Volkswagen Fahrvergnugen?”
Aster shot me a quizzical look. “The Vampires Without Fangs Foundation. The vampires involved are lovely, so that might be a good place to start.”
I scrunched my nose. "You’re the chairwoman of a vampire foundation? Why?"
"My father founded the organization fifty years ago and a Rose has been chairing it ever since."
"The vampires don't find that patronizing? Can't they take care of their own fangless vampires?”
Aster patted my hand. “You need to learn to be more civic-minded, Ember. Vampires missing their fangs is not simply a vampire problem. It's a problem for everyone."
“Why?" It seemed to me that vampires without fangs were less of a problem than vampires with fangs, at least from the point of view of other paranormals.
"There are other organizations, if that one doesn’t interest you," Aster said. "There’s…”
"Let me guess," I interjected. “Fairies Without Wings? Elves Without Pointy Ears?"
Her mouth formed a thin line. "I'm sure you think it's very funny, but you try being a fairy without wings. It’s demoralizing."
I put on my serious face. "Okay, I'm listening. Tell me the other options." PP3 hopped around me, tangling his leash around my legs.
Aster began to tick off the list. "The Home for Wayward Paranormals, the Senior Citizens of Starry Hollow, the Starry Hollow Tourism Board.”
"That last one," I said. What better way to learn about the town than to volunteer to promote it?
She clapped her hands together. “Oh, good. That’s one of my favorites, too." She pulled out her phone and checked her calendar. "The next meeting is Thursday at seven. I'll pick you up promptly at six forty-five.”
“I’ll need to make arrangements with Mrs. Babcock to watch Marley," I said.
“Of course. I’m glad you’re doing this with me. It's nice to have another Rose to share the responsibility."
I knew what she meant. It was clear that her siblings, Linnea and Florian, didn’t carry their weight. From Linnea's point of view, I could understand it. She was a single mom trying to run a busy inn on her own. Florian, on the other hand, had no excuse. He wanted to live the wealthy bachelor lifestyle without taking on any responsibility and his mother enabled him.
“I’ll see you at dinner in an hour then,” Aster said. “Sterling is bringing the boys over after their piano lesson.”
“Dinner?” I repeated.
Aster inclined her head. “Of course. It’s Sunday. We always get together for dinner on Sunday. Has no one told you?”
“No one told me.”
Aster blew out a breath. “Honestly, I don’t know how this family functions sometimes. Sunday dinner is a Rose-Muldoon tradition. You and Marley are expected. After all—”
“We’re Roses?”
She smiled. “Why, yes, you are.”
I looked down at the bottom of my pants and shoes, splattered with mud. “I guess I’d better go and change, then.”
Sunday dinner was, unsurprisingly, a grand affair. Unlike our first dinner at Thornhold, however, all the children were included this time—Linnea’s teenaged children, Bryn and Hudson, and Aster’s twin boys, four-year-old Ackley and Aspen. Sterling sat between them, presumably to keep them from causing mischief in front of their no-nonsense grandmother.
"It's so nice to see you all together," Aunt Hyacinth said. "Maybe one of these days we’ll be able to add three more chairs to the table."
"Mother," Linnea said in a warning tone.
I wasn't sure what she meant.
"Oh, Linnea," Aunt Hyacinth said lightly. "You know I only have your best interest at heart. I want to see all my offspring happily coupled. Never mind your first marital mistake.”
Ah. Now I understood. She wanted ‘appropriate’ partners for Florian and Linnea.
"Who's the third chair for?" Florian asked.
Aunt Hyacinth smiled at me. "Why, Ember’s partner, of course. Her father would have wanted to see her settle down with a nice wizard in Starry Hollow."
That was doubtful, since my father had never intended for me to live in Starry Hollow. The whole reason I was here now was a fluke. My daughter and I had been living a perfectly normal life in Maple Shade, New Jersey, when an unfortunate encounter with a mobster triggered my magic and set off a beacon that alerted the Rose-Muldoon family to my existence. Thankfully for me, they arrived when they did, because Marley and I were nearly burnt to a crisp by a mobster madman. James Litano, otherwise known as Jimmy the Lighter, was a known pyromaniac, and he’d been determined to exact revenge on me for repossessing his car. So now Marley and I lived in Starry Hollow, the paranormal town where I'd been born and where my mother had died.
"I think the table seems crowded enough," thirteen-year-old Hudson said. "I barely have any elbow room as it is." He jostled his elbow for good measure, deliberately knocking it into his sister’s arm.
"Hey," Bryn snapped. “Keep your bony body to yourself, Skeletor.”
"That's enough, you two," Linnea said in a low voice.
I had no doubt that manners were critical at Sunday dinners. Everyone wanted to put on a good show for the grand matriarch, Hyacinth Rose-Muldoon.
"There is always more room at the table here," Aunt Hyacinth said. "This table is imbued with magic, Hudson. It will expand without the need for an insert."
Well, that was handy.
