Practical Potions and Premeditated Murder (Practical Potions Mysteries Book 1), page 8
“Take my seat for now,” Lohrna cut in. “This drink looks wrong anyway.” She made a spectacle of inspecting the foam, holding it to the light and squinting dramatically. “I better go ask Hazen for another pour. Go on, sit!” The bossiness in her tone reminded Sella of Aadel. Every now and then, Lohrna really looked like her mother.
Cirian laughed and sat in her empty spot. “I’ll heed that order!” He took a long sip of his dark red wine, offering Sella an amused expression as he drank. “Haven’t seen you in the tavern in a while!” He thumped Sella’s back with a large hand, a little too hard. She coughed through the blow.
“Yeah.” Sella grimaced, ignoring a now giggling Cali. “It’s been a few full moons.”
Cirian, the local freespirit, could always be found in one of two places: At Hazen’s tavern or roaming the shops and market, buying entirely too much. No one knew where he came from, only that he blew into town one day years ago and never did seem to leave. Where he got his money was also a mystery, but it was apparent he liked to spend it.
Sella did like to create her own stories about him now and then. He had been nothing but kind to her since they met when she moved back to town. And since Hazen liked him, so did everyone in town… especially the merchants.
“What brings you in on a ghastly night like this?” Another voice chimed in. Benka. He leaned over both their shoulders.
Cirian nearly leapt out of his seat when the old man’s face appeared, but Sella was still, as though she expected him all along and he was running late. She side-eyed the detective and raised an eyebrow. “Detective Benka.” Her heart rate spiked, but she kept her voice level. Lohrna was nowhere to be seen. Good.
Sella took a sip of her drink as nonchalantly as she could muster, letting the liquid run into her stomach and warm her.
Beside her, Cali shifted in her seat, looking uncomfortable.
Cirian held his hand over his heart and laughed. “Benka, Benka, Benka. You have a way of sneaking up on people!”
“Being discreet is part of the job.” Benka gave Cirian’s shoulder a squeeze and rose to his full height. He looked like he had just woken up. His hair was sticking up in a few places and Sella noticed sleep lingering in his eye. So much for working hard on the case, she thought in irritation. Benka simply enjoyed being a nuisance.
“To answer your question,” Sella pivoted the conversation, “we’re in need of beverages, the likes of which only Hazen can provide. It’s been a grueling day, after all, what with the news of a death. And your questioning felt a little pointed, if I may say so.”
“You may.”
“I did.”
Cirian’s gray eyes darted between the two. “I feel like I’m missing something…”
“Me too,” Cali whispered. “You know, it might be a good idea to try not to antagonize the detective.”
Sella took another sip, like she was unfazed. Her hand was shaking. She desperately hoped no one could tell.
“I hope I didn’t offend you today,” Benka said at last. He put his hands in his pockets and shifted his feet. “It’s my job to look at every angle... I’ll leave you to it. Be safe out there…”
And with that, Benka disappeared into the crowd.
Cirian waited until Benka was out of sight before he chuckled drily. “What was that about?”
Sella rolled her eyes, but stopped short of sighing. She needed to play this better. Her initial lie led her into a spiral, and everything tonight placed her on the defensive. “Benka asked me about poisons today.”
Cirian winced. “Did the girl die of poisoning?”
“Woman,” Cali corrected him.
“I suspect so.” Sella ignored Cali’s amendment for now. “If Benka was asking about it.”
Cirian hummed. “He should know better than to question your potions. You’re certified. And way past your careless side-effect days that people can’t seem to get over.”
Sella smiled, this time genuinely, even if it did sting that he mentioned her tendency of past mess-ups. She briefly wondered if he had some of his own wherever he came from. Beejee would be thrilled that he referenced her certification. “I’m sure Benka only wants my help determining the cause,” she said, trying to convince herself that maybe, just maybe, that might be the case. “I’m feeling a bit cautious about it all.”
“Of course you are. There’s a murderer on the loose!”
Sella flinched at the reminder. At that moment, it felt like everyone was watching them. The buzz of chatter of the tavern, the live music blasting from the corner, the warmth of the cup at her fingertips... all of it faded from her awareness. In the breath that followed, she looked at every table and every corner, noting eyes darting to her and then away quickly. A few patrons leaned in close to one another and whispered after they caught her eye.
Did they know she’d been questioned today?
“Sella?” a voice pulled her back. “Sella?”
Sella blinked and shook her head. The music, the voices, the feel of cold, wet air as the door opened — it all came spilling back into her awareness. “Sorry.” She ignored Cali’s concerned gaze, instead focusing on Cirian — the one physically present. “Sorry, I’m just tired.”
Lohrna broke the tension with the scraping of her chair across the stone floor. She positioned it beside Sella and handed her another drink. “These are better.” She winked at Sella, then turned to Cirian. “So, I was talking with Ovina at the bar–”
“If you go back up there, tell her she still owes me that sweater commission. I ordered it a month ago.” Cirian seemed to be joking, but Ovina was known for getting behind on her orders.
“Yes, yes. I will.”
“It’s a gift, so tell her that I kind of need it–”
“Cirian, I got it!” Lohrna set her drink down with a thud. “Anyway, can I finish my story?”
“Right, sorry.” He let out a gentle laugh.
Sella couldn’t help but shake her head. She knew Lohrna wouldn’t see the parallel between Cirian and herself, but it was obvious here. They acted more like siblings than friends. A small pain hit Sella’s heart. She missed so much since she was gone. “So what’s new with Ovina?” Sella asked, trying to get her mind back to the task at hand.
Lohrna swallowed her drink. “So, Ovina’s over there saying she knew Cali.”
“Yes,” Cali nodded. “She’s sweet. She made me a welcome basket when I first rented out the apartment.”
Sella shifted in her seat. “Oh yeah?” she said to both Cali and Lohrna. She wanted to hear more about that, about Cali’s first few days in Marra. But it would have to wait for another time.
Lohrna went on. “Yep! She said she was always curious about the lands across the sea. I guess she wishes she could’ve asked Cali more questions about it.”
Sella deflated. That was not the lead she hoped for. “Well, that’s too bad.”
“She also said that she’d kill for a ticket there.” Lohrna held Sella’s gaze.
“Well, that certainly wasn’t the best choice of words.” Sella glanced across the tavern at Ovina. The old woman was laughing with her sister, clapping at what seemed to be a hilarious joke.
Cali huffed. “I’m sure it’s not Ovina. People who give welcome baskets don’t murder people.”
Beside her, Cirian finished his drink. “Ovina uses colorful language. I just hope Benka didn’t hear that. He’ll draw poor conclusions.” Cirian looked over his shoulder to the bar. “I hope Hazen didn’t either. He’s taking Cali’s death especially hard.”
“Aww!” Cali said. “See? Someone’s mourning me.” She stood up to look over the heads in the crowd, eyeing Hazen working hard at the bar. Her brow furrowed. “Even if he’s going about it weirdly.”
“Hazen’s the type to strap in and work hard despite it all. Maybe even because of it,” Sella said, mostly to Cali. “I’m sure he’s hurting more than he lets on.”
The night at the tavern passed slowly. Cirian and Lohrna kept drinking long after Sella stopped. She stayed with them, speaking up when there was the rare lull in their conversation, until she finally couldn’t keep her yawns hidden anymore. She left them still talking about everything and nothing.
Cali trailed her like a shadow back home.
ELEVEN
Can’t Back Down Now
“I don’t think your little clue hunt last night helped our cause at all.” Beejee’s eyes tracked the people outside the shop. They were all giving the front door a wide berth.
“It got Cali to stop haunting us, though.” Sella stirred the coffee with a small gold spoon. She had sprinkled extra motivation into the grounds and was concentrating on infusing more energy into the dark liquid with each round her spoon made.
“I still could.” Cali materialized in the bay window. “It was actually kind of fun to be a traditional ghost for a bit.”
Beejee hissed at her sudden appearance. “Don’t scare me like that!” He swatted at her, but his claws were still sheathed. Not that he could harm Cali anyway. Still, that was a sign he was warming up to the ghost.
“Sorry,” Cali squeaked, recoiling a little at Beejee’s bared teeth. “I was quiet on my feet when I was alive… I guess more so in death.” Cali looked out the window. “Is it just me, or does it kind of look like people are avoiding the shop…?”
“They often are.” Sella set down a small bowl of treats for the cats. Koukie and Beejee, despite himself, scampered to her. “It’ll blow over. Probably.”
“Hmm,” Beejee protested with a full mouth.
“I have a question.” Cali had already moved on. “Why did you lie about Lohrna and where she was...?”
“Lohrna had nothing to do with what happened to you,” Sella replied. She took a sip of her coffee.
“I didn’t say that.” Cali held up her hands.
“I don’t want people thinking it, though.” Sella winced. “She has access to my ingredients, she loves rare gems, and you were a gem collector. Worst of all, she was alone that night. That puts her at risk.”
“I died on the full moon... is she a shapeshifter?” Cali’s tone was confident, as if she didn’t need confirmation.
Sella’s eyes rose to the ghost at her window. “That’s not my information to share.”
“Must be lonely for her. To keep that secret every month…” Cali went on, as if she hadn’t heard Sella at all. “They’re rare on this continent, aren’t they?”
Beejee, still licking his lips, leapt to the counter and sat by Sella. “She’s smart. Too smart.”
“They’re not rare where you’re from?” Sella asked, trying to pivot the conversation away from Lornha.
“Not really,” the ghost mused. She sounded wistful, almost sad. Sella leaned across the counter. “But it’s open at home. They don’t have to hide it. Besides, we have a lot more witches there. They advertise the suppressors they sell on subscription.” She ended with a little laugh. “Got to hand it to them, they make a killing back home.”
Home. The word made Sella’s heart hurt for her. Her brows furrowed as she considered the word. Cali was far from home. And dead. And stuck. Yet, here Cali was, pondering how lonely Lohrna must be feeling.
Who was worse off? A shapeshifter… or a ghost?
Sella sighed and straightened. “Cali, your home sounds very freeing.”
“It is, in some ways.” Cali smiled gently. “Or, it was… I guess wanting to see what’s out there was my downfall, huh? But Marra is lovely, too. Much that I saw in this town is so different, but it’s also more… collective than I’ve ever known. It’s sweet how everyone knows everyone. People are friendly, even though I’m a human. I wish I had been able to see more of it.”
“I’ve traveled all over Orakan.” Sella’s own half smile formed. “This seaside town, though...?” She trailed off; her mind wandered to the people of the town. “I guess there’s a certain magic to Marra.”
“I understand.”
“Ask her about the ships.” Beejee pawed at Sella’s dark dress.
Sella leaned down to stroke his ear. His cheek pressed into her hand and a purr escaped his throat. She gave him one final pat on the head.
He glared at her, quick as ever to change his opinion on if he wanted to be touched or not. “Beejee wonders about your journey here, if it’s not too much to ask,” Sella said.
He headbutted Sella in approval.
“How can you talk to him?” Cali ignored the question.
“Familiars and witches are like… How can I describe it?” She flicked her wrist and the fires above their heads grew in brightness and warmth. Cali looked up with wide eyes as Sella continued, “We’re bonded. He’s been with me since I was very young. We’ll be together in this lifetime and… any others.”
“Will you be ghosts together?”
“Maybe. If we decide to stick around.”
“I’m glad Koukie is alright,” Cali said. “But it would be less lonely to have another ghost around. Someone else who can understand me.” She looked back outside and squinted. “Well, Beejee, the ships are smaller than you’d expect. Lots of mice… so maybe you’d like that.” She laughed, though it sounded strained. The glimmer around her shifted. “It was a very boring trip, I’m sorry to say.”
Beejee grumbled something even Sella couldn’t hear.
She was so busy puzzling through what he might have said that she almost missed Cali’s next whisper..
“Sella? Can you tell me about Cresablatt?”
Everything in Sella tensed. She swallowed. “If you’re sure you want to know.” With a sigh, she crossed the shop to sit beside Cali, settling into the comfy cushions of the window seat.
Beejee jumped up to sit beside them. “Can’t have you looking like you’re talking to yourself now. Rumors about you losing your mind would circle faster than pixies can fly.”
Koukie joined them at the window seat and purred quietly as she made herself comfortable. Sella snapped her fingers and the music grew just a little louder.
“Cresablatt is extremely difficult to produce.” Sella gave each cat a quick pet behind the ear. She took a deep breath, then continued. “You need several ingredients, some from this continent and some from across the sea.”
“Where I’m from?”
“Tollintal? There’s specific herbs that only grow there,” Sella said.
“Yes.”
“Then yes… And you need to make it exactly. Every cut of the herbs, every crush of the flowers... It has to be made fast in the right conditions,” Sella went on. “It loses its potency after a few hours.”
“When you say potency…?”
“A few hours after making it, it is basically useless.”
“Hmm.” Cali seemed to be thinking aloud. Her voice was distant. “So, someone would need to know how to make it, make it fast, and use ingredients from here and across the sea?”
“Yes.”
“That narrows down our pool, doesn’t it? At least that should rule out Lohrna to Benka and the others?”
“In theory. It should help… but I sell a lot, if not most, of the ingredients here in the shop. I’m sure Benka is aware of that. Lohrna could’ve gotten them at any time, or maybe he thinks we did it together.” She leaned back in her seat and felt like a sudden weight was wrapped around her shoulders. The pressure crept from the base of her neck and settled behind her eyes. “If we’re not careful, this could turn out very badly for us.”
“We won't let that happen.” Cali’s expression was light as the air that fluttered between them. “We’ll find the person who did this together. You’ll help me cross over and set your names back in their rightful places.”
Sella’s brows rose. “You think so?”
“I know so. Besides, you can’t back down now. You’re in this with me.”
For the first time, that didn’t sound so bad.
TWELVE
A Mead-iocre Plan
Lohrna glared at Sella from behind the steam of her coffee. “I feel like I should be offended that Benka thinks I’m capable of something like that.” But the corners of her lips betrayed her true feelings. She was smiling despite her narrowed eyes.
Sella waited, almost amused.
Lohrna tilted her head. “But I’m also weirdly flattered he thinks I’m clever enough to make Cresablatt.”
There it was. The odd beam of sunlight that Lohrna always managed to find among the clouds.
“I’m not sure that’s what you should be taking away from this.” Sella raised a brow.
“What I’m taking away from this conversation is that you’re in! ‘Practical Potions and Honey’ no more! Now, we’re ‘Practical Potions Detective Agency!’ And it’s a race against time before the killer strikes again!”
“Or you’re arrested for murder,” Beejee grumbled.
“He likes it!” Lohrna cheered.
Sella caught her dry laugh halfway from her throat. “You could say that.”
“I keep telling you to create a spell that lets everyone understand me!” Beejee stomped one front paw down on the counter. “I’m tired of my genius going to waste!”
Sella rolled her eyes. She desperately hoped he didn’t see.
Lohrna gave Beejee a little pet. He bared his teeth but didn’t move away. “You know, little buddy, that foot stomping gesture would have a lot more impact if you were the size of a lion. Is there a spell to make him bigger?”
That’s all they’d need – a lion-sized Beejee. Sella rolled her eyes. “Lohrna, this is serious. Whoever did this probably wasn’t from here. I don’t think they’ll ‘strike again,’ but we could be in big trouble.”
Lohrna cocked her head and thought for a moment. She tapped her chin with a long index finger. “So this poison… it’s created from things we can’t find here, right? That’s what makes you think it’s someone from out of town?”
“That, and there’s never been a murder in Marra.” Sella sipped her own coffee. She closed her eyes as hints of chocolate and honey warmed her throat, flavored with bitter grounds. A little extra spice for insight hit the sides of her tongue with a punch. She swallowed. “At least, none since we’ve been alive,” she continued.
