The Case of the Love Spell Read online

Warm regards,

  Annie

  To: Knitting Circle

  From: Cora

  Re: Meeting on Wednesday, July 25th

  Annie—I am happy to bring some snacks too. I am also curious about the book that Penny will choose for the group. I’ll be heading to the book store this afternoon, so Penny please let us know what book you have chosen and I will be sure to pick up a copy! Since our meeting is tomorrow, I’d love to do some reading tonight so that we all have something to chat about!

  Also, did anyone else happen to notice the purple BMW speeding down main street this morning? Ken said that he noticed it driving down Hillcrest Pass this morning while he was on his way to the law office around eight. Just wondering!

  Sincerely,

  Cora

  To: Knitting Circle

  From: Marley

  Re: Meeting on Wednesday, July 25th

  Hello all,

  Yes, I totally noticed that purple BMW. There was a woman driving... And I kid you not, she had blue hair. She flew by the mine this morning while I was freshening up outside of the van... going like sixty miles per hour! The speed limit up here is twenty-five! She definitely came from up the pass.

  The thing is, I’ve never seen a car drive over that pass. It’s been closed for as long as I can remember. Maybe someone should tell the police about it? If that road is supposed to be closed, I would imagine they’d want to know about traffic coming over—especially speeding traffic!

  Anyways, yes, I’m in for meeting up on Wednesday. I have a cute new pattern for legwarmers—Cora, they would be perfect for Zumba class. I’ll bring it along.

  Penny—WHAT BOOK DO YOU WANT US TO READ?

  Love and Unicorn Kisses,

  Marley

  To: Knitting Circle

  From: Cora

  Re: Meeting on Wednesday, July 25th

  I think Penny should be the one to tell the police about Hillcrest’s newest visitor—this blue haired speeder. Penny, you’re the one with a connection to the police department... or at least one officer in particular ;)

  Speaking of... I heard from a friend who teaches at the college that Nathalie took a job in Alaska—and that Chris isn’t going with her. Does that mean that Chris is single now? I’m glad. I don’t think they made a very good couple anyways. Penny, you and Chris were so adorable together.

  Leaving for a visit to main street and the book store in an hour. Hoping to hear about the book by then.

  Cora

  To: Knitting Circle

  From: Annie

  Re: Meeting on Wednesday, July 25th

  She’s here! The woman with the blue hair is here! And she’s asking all kinds of questions about Claudine Terra! I just had to duck back here into my office to tell you ladies. It’s very bizarre. Penny, did you tell the police about her yet?

  Penny? PENNY?

  Annie

  I finish reading the last email and then scroll through my missed calls. I see one from Sherry O’Neil, the Nugget Building’s landlord. She’s probably wondering why my boxes are still in the supply closet—I mean, office—even though I told her I’d move out because I couldn’t afford the rent.

  Overwhelmed, I let my phone fall back down against the mattress. It’s now one in the afternoon. I have so much to do today! After pawning off the antiques to Bess for as much cash as I can manage, I’ll need to catch up with Sherry and ask her to extend my lease. On top of that, I need to get poor Turkey to the vet to make sure he’s okay.

  As I peel myself out of the sleeping bag, the first thing that I notice is how different I feel. It’s like the inside of my body is filled with shimmering light. Mostly, the feeling is coming from my chest. The very center of my chest. I feel... well, different is the best word for it. New.

  That’s when some of the phrases from my reading session, the night before, come floating back to me.

  After reading this book, you will be forever changed. It is your destiny to step onto the path of becoming the best, strongest, most powerful and fearless version of yourself that you can be: namely, a Witch.

  Witch.

  I don’t even know how I feel about that word.

  I’m just imagining things. I didn’t become a witch just because I binge read some book from the turn of the century—over and over and over.

  It was just a book.

  Just a really good, engaging, page-turner of a book. That’s all.

  I’m still just... me. Just Penny Banks... a normal, average woman in desperate need of a good strong cup of coffee. I scrub my hand up and down my face and make my way to the kitchen.

  While waiting for the coffee to brew, I type out a quick response to my knitting sisters.

  To: Knitting Circle

  From: Penny

  Re: Meeting on Wednesday, July 25th

  Hi ladies!

  Sorry for my delay. I have been super busy this morning.

  Excited about our meeting tomorrow.

  I do have a book that I think we would all really enjoy. It is a very well written, interesting fiction/fantasy book that was published in 1912. It’s very short. In fact, I just recently finished it, but it was so good that I’d love to read it again. If you all are interested, I can make photocopies of the pages (it’s only forty-five pages long, and the pages are small... I think I can fit two pages per sheet of paper, so Marley don’t worry we won’t be wasting trees), and deliver packets to you later this afternoon.

  What do you think?

  Penny

  PS—Annie, I’m going to stop in to see you soon to talk about the blue haired woman. Also, Cora, Chris and I were NOT adorable together. I shot him... remember? We never should have dated. We were a terrible match. Besides, I am so OVER him. That whole thing happened years ago. Whether Chris is single now or not makes no difference to me.

  There. I press send and then pour my coffee. Then I go about slurping it down while calling Sherry, the vet, and then showering and dressing. By the time I load Turkey into his cat carrier, I’m caffeinated up, wearing my fake glasses, and feeling ready to take on the day.

  I’ve dressed in a little black sundress that I rarely wear, plus the string of pearls from Claudine’s box of antiques.

  Why is it that today of all days I’ve been drawn to an entirely black dress that was hanging in the far back of my closet? It has nothing to do with the reading material I absorbed last night. Who cares that witches wear black to ‘harness the power of women’s mysteries and the unknown’? Who cares that pearls represent truth and wisdom?

  Not this average, non-witchy girl. I just think this outfit looks cute.

  And I happen to want to look cute today. That’s all.

  The cardboard box is too heavy and bulky to transport to Bess’s shop in one trip, since I’ll also have Turkey with me. Instead of worrying about how to fit the box and Turkey onto my bike, I decide to just take the silken kimono with me. Besides, I want to hang on to the rest of the items. I can sell the black bowl—which, according to my reading is actually a cauldron—the book, and the pearls at a later date. For now, the money from the kimono should be plenty.

  I’m about to head out of the door when an email comes through. Then another. Then, almost instantly, a third.

  To: Knitting Circle

  From: Marley

  Re: Meeting on Wednesday, July 25th

  Penny, is the book you’re talking about one of the antiques you were given that used to belong to Claudine? I am definitely in. I think I caught a glimpse of it yesterday and it looked intriguing.

  Marley

  To: Knitting Circle

  From: Cora

  Re: Meeting on Wednesday, July 25th

  I’m interested, too! I am so bored with contemporary fiction these days. I’d love to read something with a bit more history. Fun!

  Cora

  To: Knitting Circle

  From: Annie

  Re: Meeting on Wednesday, July 25th

  Count me in as well. Penny, the title soun
ds magnificent. Are you sure it is fiction? Witchcraft is a valid practice. I’m fascinated and will look forward to learning more. Looking forward to seeing you soon!

  Annie

  After reading the messages I circle back to my living room and grab the little green book. Looks like I’ll be spending some time at the public library, posted up at the copy machine this afternoon!

  My first stop is Bess’s Antique Haven. I park my bike in the shade so that Turkey will stay cool, and then make my way inside. Bess is behind the sales register, ringing a customer up.

  I browse through a rack of vintage dresses while I wait for her to finish up with the sale. A black, slinky cocktail dress catches my eye. What is up with my attraction to black clothing? I’ve never been into wearing black before.

  A quick glimpse at the price tag informs me that it’s a total bargain. But when would I wear it? I haven’t had an occasion for wearing a slinky black cocktail dress in, well... never.

  I pull myself from the rack of dresses as the bells on the door announce that the other customer has departed.

  Bess is happy to see me. “Penny, dear! How are you? How’s the private investigating going?”

  I rummage in my bag and pull out the folded Kimono.

  “I’m okay...” I say. “Business is pretty slow these days, but I think you might be able to help with that.”

  “Me?” Bess places a hand on her oversized bosom. She peers over the top of her reading glasses with curiosity.

  “Yes. If you’ll buy this vintage kimono from me, I think I could keep my office up and running for another month or so.”

  As I unfold the kimono, Bess lifts her reading glasses and perches them higher on her nose. She pokes her head out like a chicken pecking at seed on the ground, and reads the tag. “Lady Jane Luxury Relaxation Wear,” she says. “Lady Jane... my my... this was a boutique clothing line from the twenties! Where on earth did you find this piece, Penny?”

  “It was a gift,” I say. “From Claudine Terra.”

  “Oh!” Bess exclaims. “ I didn’t realize that you knew Claudine.”

  “I didn’t.” I say. “Not really. I mean, I saw her around town once in a while, like everyone else. I never actually talked to her.”

  “Not many of us did,” Bess agrees. “She liked to keep to herself.” She straightens up. “She was always a bit of a mystery, that Claudine. I wonder what she did up there in that big house all the time. I always wanted to go inside. Pity she wasn’t more social. Well, maybe the next owner will be the type of person to throw extravagant parties and invite the whole town.”

  “I doubt it,” I say. “I think Lucy inherited most everything, including the mansion. At least, that’s what Cora told me. I think Lucy was the main benefactor on Claudine’s will.”

  Bess makes a tisk tisk sound as she lifts the silky kimono off of the desk and begins looking it over. “Well then, I won’t get my hopes up. That Lucy is no fun whatsoever—definitely not the extravagant party type. Actually, she’s a lot like her aunt; not very social either. It’s a wonder they didn’t get along better.”

  “They didn’t get along?” I ask.

  “No! Not really. Sure, they were cordial with each other, but deep down they had some very strong differences.”

  “How do you know?” I ask.

  “They had a very public fight, a few years back.” Bess leans in to examine the golden fringe around the gown’s loose, flowing sleeve, and her voice trails off.

  “When?” I ask.

  “Let me see... must have been... goodness, ten years ago now? Time flies, doesn’t it?”

  No wonder I don’t remember. I was just seventeen then, rolling into my senior year at Hillcrest High—oblivious to everything except who was sitting next to who at the regular lunch table, and when the next home basketball game starring Chris Wagner was going to take place.

  “What was their disagreement about?” I ask. I’m trying to sound casual, but it’s clearly not working, because suddenly Bess looks away from the kimono and right at me.

  “You certainly are curious about Claudine’s history, aren’t you?” She says. “This have anything to do with your detective business?”

  I shake my head. “I just find it interesting, is all.”

  “Hmph. Hard to remember that far back... basically I just remember they had a real row, right out on main street in front of the book store. Something about a presentation that Claudine wanted to give... a lecture of some sorts, about witchcraft, of all things. Lucy said that Claudine would disgrace the family name if she delivered the talk.”

  “A talk about witches?” I ask.

  “Yes. Who knows what the lecture would have been like. Perhaps a history of witchcraft in the US? I thought it sounded pretty interesting, but Lucy just wasn’t having it. That was around the time when Lucy married Ken, and she sure thought highly of herself for being a lawyer’s wife. She’s always been concerned about things like reputation and social standing, that Lucy Wilbur.”

  I nod.

  “Lucy was yelling—right there on main street—about how she just wished her aunt could act normally for a day. Lucy was nearly crying, I remember, which was odd because she’s usually so composed. Claudine said that she wouldn’t deliver the lecture, and after that she stopped coming into town as regularly—I do remember that. It’s all pretty hazy—ten years is a long time!”

  “It sure is,” I say. It’s a long time to hold onto pent up anger, I think. If Lucy was that angry at her aunt then, couldn’t that have simmered to a boiling point after ten long years? Especially after potentially learning that she was going to be cut out of the will?

  “I’ll give you one hundred and fifty for the kimono,” Bess says.

  “Five hundred,” I say. “I already posted it online and have some interested buyers that are willing to pay as much, or more.” This is not entirely the truth, so I avoid Bess’s eyes while the white lie hangs between us.

  “Two fifty,” she offers.

  “Three hun—” I stop before I can say three hundred even and instead tack on another twenty-five, thinking of the little black cocktail dress. “Three twenty-five,” I say.

  She sticks out her hand. “You drive a hard bargain, Penny,” she says, tossing me a wink that makes me wonder if I’ve just been duped. Maybe the kimono is worth a lot more. Bess is practically bursting with joy as she arranges the silk dress on a padded hanger. She places the hanger on a rack behind the register, displaying the gown like a trophy piece, and then reaches into her register for cash.

  When she pulls it out and puts it into my hand, I forget all about the fact that I might have just gotten the short end of the stick when it comes to the negotiation. At least I have this month’s office rent! Before I tuck the cash into my wallet, I purchase the little black cocktail number.

  As I step out onto the sidewalk, holding the dress in my hands, a voice catches me off guard.

  “Hello, Penny.” I recognize Chris’s deep voice immediately.

  Great. He’s the last person I want to see at this moment.

  At least this time, I’m wearing my dress on my body instead of wrapped around my head, and it’s entirely vomit free.

  What has my life come to, that I count this as a win?

  Chapter Five

  As I slowly turn to face Chris, I try to calm my fluttering heart by taking nice, slow breaths. Try is the operative word. My body rebels. Instead, by the time I’m facing Chris I’m hyperventilating as though I’m having a panic attack.

  Chris ignores my erratic breathing. He eyes the dress in my hands. “Pretty dress,” he says. “Is that for the Life Savers Ball?”

  The darn Life Savers Ball. Now that it’s approaching, everyone’s bound to be talking about it.

  I shake my head. “I wouldn’t go to that thing if my life depended on it,” I say.

  “Which is ironic,” Chris counters, “Because your life does depend on police, firefighters, and paramedics—literally—when you
have an emergency. And the money from the tickets goes to—”

  “I know where the money goes!” I snap.

  In fact, I remember selling tickets to the ball when I was in police academy. I even went, that year, with the man who now stands before me. But since breaking up with Chris and flunking the academy, I’ve boycotted the ball, for five years running. Everyone else in town goes. Everyone! How could they not? It’s for a great cause, there’s dancing and drinking and general debauchery, and it’s all the whole town talks about for weeks afterwards.

  I’m the only person in Hillcrest who sits home alone that night, eating ice cream and watching old movies from the eighties.

  It’s a tradition I’m planning to honor this year.

  “Okay, okay,” Chris says, holding up his hands as though they’re shields to defend against my moody outbursts. “Sensitive subject, I know. When are you going to get over your grudge against the PD, anyways?”

  I fold my arms across my chest and scowl.

  “I have tickets for sale.” He pulls a little pad of freshly minted tickets from his chest pocket and thumbs through them once. “Just in case you decide to get past your petty grudge and support us for a—”

  “Not interested!” I say.

  “Fine.” He grins as he shoves the tickets back in his pocket. He loves giving me a hard time.

  Well, two can play that game. I keep my arms folded and jut my hip out to the side. “What are you doing strolling around downtown selling stupid Life Savers Ball tickets anyways? You should be working on the Claudine Terra case.”

  “The Claudine Terra case?” Chris tips his head back and laughs. “Ha! You really think that we live on the set of a Sherlock Holmes movie, don’t you? Penny, there is no ‘Claudine Terra case’. We ordered an autopsy, and that’s sufficient. We’ll get the results back in four weeks, and they’ll probably confirm what we already know: she was an old woman, and she died in her sleep. If the autopsy brings up any concerns, we’ll address them then.”

  “In four weeks? And until then... you’re just going to let a murderer hang out in Hillcrest, undisturbed?”

  “Penny, we don’t know that there was a murder. That’s the point. Until the autopsy confirms it, we’re not going to go running around spending taxpayer dollars and making a public spectacle of the department. That’s that.”