Midsummer Night's Mayhem (7 page)

Grady’s face was drawn and tired. He walked toward his wife. “I don’t want to bring any attention to us, especially
negative
attention.”

“Attention. That’s a laugh. A little too late for that.” She strolled over to him and grabbed the coin. “Let me see how you’re healing,” she said and he removed the necklace.

A spark of magic filled the air, revealing the coin contained a powerful charm. Similar to her own charm bracelet, necklaces, rings, or other jewelry often contained magical spells, which either diffused the magic gradually or stored the magic to be activated on command. Grady’s necklace was diffusing the magic. Clover gasped and clamped her hand over her mouth when she saw Grady’s face. The coin contained a glamor that was hiding his true appearance. His right arm and hand had been hurt badly, the skin shriveled like a dead branch. The damage trailed up his arm and covered his neck and side of his face. His skin was weathered and puckered as if badly burned or rotted like old wood or a piece of fruit. Clover’s stomach rolled over.

“It’s improving. With time you’ll heal.” Gwen snorted. “You’re lucky. The backfire on the spell could have killed you.”

Backfire.
So that’s what happened to him. Strong magical spells could be dangerous if not executed properly. Backfire happened when the magic became volatile and the spell rebounded back onto the wizard, in this case, burning and distorting Grady’s arm and face. Whatever doomed magical spell he’d attempted had turned him into a monster.

He brushed his wife’s hand away and snatched the charmed coin back. “I’ll be fine once this is all over and we get the deal done.”

Disdain filled Gwen’s face. “You’re too scared to handle the deal. Too timid. I’ll do it. I don’t care what people think of me. We need his land now that ours is ruined, especially with the new crops coming in.”

“You don’t need to tell me. I know it’s my fault the hybrid spells collided with the growth spells. How can I forget with you constantly reminding me?” His face was filled with agony. He slipped the necklace over his head and when the coin touched his chest all damage to his body magically disappeared. At least for his sake, the glamor was top-notch. No one would ever know he was suffering.

“At least we have Pete and the new crop. He saved us with his cross-pollination spells. Plus, he had a silver tongue when I took him to the negotiations.” Gwen’s voice softened and her shoulders relaxed. “You should have seen him charming Austin. He’s the kind of strong wizard we need around here.”

Ouch. Sympathy was not Gwen’s strongpoint, Clover thought.
And who’s this silver-tongued wizard, Pete?

Grady sneered. “I don’t want to talk about your precious new friend. He can’t help us if we don’t get our hands on Oliver Yearling’s land and his gardens.”

Clover cringed at their desperation. Oliver hadn’t been gone more than two days and they were fighting over his land.

“What are we going to do with that labyrinth when we get it?” Grady asked. “We could offer paid tours. Make some extra gold on the side.” He snorted, a macabre gleam in his eyes. “Or we could burn it down. Down to the ground.”

Gwen chuckled. A dark bliss danced across her face. “That will be a pleasure. I’ll dance around the flames and watch the maze burn.”

Clover had to get out of there. She lifted her bike, backed away slowly, and cut across the field. Her mind raced. It sounded like they were pretty desperate to get their hands on Oliver’s land, but were they so desperate to do something terrible to get it? Would Austin really sell his childhood home and his father’s labyrinth? It sounded like a deal had already been discussed. Clover couldn’t imagine the house and garden being demolished. Plus, it sounded like Gwen and Grady were into some strange magical farming that wasn’t working too well. Backfire was brutal.

Oliver’s house came into view as she made her way back to the road. Her leg muscles were burning by the time she made it home. She left Marigold out by the garden shed to deal with in the morning. As she walked up the porch steps a large owl sat perched on the railing. It ruffled its feathers as she approached.

“Hey there, Barnaby.” Clover stroked the large barred owl’s silky feathers.

The owl was her sister Honora’s familiar who often brought messages to her. She untied a small parchment scroll that was attached to his leg. It was a note from Honora inviting her to meet up for a Mayhem sisters’ lunch tomorrow at Nocturnes in Willow Realm.

“Wait one second, boy, and I’ll write a reply.” Clover grabbed a reed pen on the table inside the door and scribbled a note on the same piece of parchment and reattached it to the owl’s leg.

After Barnaby flew off, Clover sunk down on the steps as Rusty rubbed his soft fur against her leg. She patted her familiar’s side and gave him a big hug. Her mind was spinning with too much information about her neighbors and their desires. “It’s been one of those days. Let’s go inside. I could use a hot bath.”

8

T
he smell of freshly baked bread washed over Clover as she glided into the sisters’ favorite meeting place, Nocturnes. She waved at Arnica Delacqua, owner and hostess extraordinaire, who was running interference at the counter between two elaborately bearded wizards in a heated discussion about whose wildly grown facial hair was superior. Who knew beard décor would turn into such a big thing? She wove her way to a nook tucked in a back corner where both Vivi and Honora were staked out at their special table. Thankfully for Clover’s growling stomach, the table was already covered in plates of sandwiches and a pitcher of iced tea.

“There’s our little investigator,” Honora said and jumped up to give her a warm hug. Tall and lean, Honora looked fabulous in a pair of skinny jeans and a sleeveless blouse. “I’m really sorry, Clover. I got your message and Vivi’s filled me in on everything that’s happened. How are you holding up?” Honora poured her sister a glass of iced tea, her long black hair cascading around her shoulders.

“Not bad. Just pushing ahead.”

Vivi crunched a chip. “Arnica said there’s going to be a candlelight memorial held in the town square tomorrow night in lieu of a burial service. I thought we all could go to show support.”

“That’s a good idea. I’ll be there,” Clover said.

“I’ll try to make it out, but no promises. Now that that’s settled, do you want to talk about your
closet
situation, Clover?” Honora passed around plates and dished out the sandwiches. “I know this is rough, but the sooner we face it, the better.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” Vivi said. “I heard Lance’s giving you a few days before he serves the warrant.”

“Yep, it’s a reprieve for now. And that’s all I can worry about.” She slid her plate closer. “I’m sorry to drag you into this, Vivi. I don’t want to cause any trouble between you and Lance. How are things going between you two?”

“Don’t worry about me. And things with Lance are fine. We’ve been taking things slow, but I hate to admit this friction has been a good thing. We needed a little excitement. Anyway, he knows how I feel, and I’ve left it at that. I’m not pushing him either way.”

“What are you planning on doing? But more importantly, how can I help? You know I love to dig up dirt.” Honora crossed her long legs and took a bite of her sandwich.

“Yesterday I paid my respects to Austin. The place was crawling with well-wishers and no one was happy to see me. Nothing brings out the sharp tongues faster than a group in mourning over a murder.” Clover tightened the scarf she’d tied around her ponytail. It kept coming loose and she didn’t want to lose it.

“Austin must be in rough shape,” Vivi said.

“Shock is more like it. He was acting really weird around the labyrinth. Suspicious weird. He said his dad was adding advanced illusions and the labyrinth wasn’t secure.” Clover leaned back in her chair.

“Maybe he’s being extra cautious after the murder,” Honora said.

“Or he’s nervous about something.” Clover remembered him twisting her arm, finding it hard to be sympathetic.

“Nervous about what?” Honora asked.

“Actually, I’ve found out a lot yesterday about belladonna.” Clover filled her sisters in on the news that Austin and Bradley purchased the belladonna and what she overheard at Sugar Snap Farms.

“That’s not good.” Vivi’s brow creased. “I’m sure Austin is a suspect anyway because he’s probably going to inherit his father’s estate, but for him to boldly purchase poison and then use it in such a public way is a bit hard to believe.”

“Austin wasn’t at the party,” Clover said. “But he could have used a glamor and snuck in. No one would have been the wiser.”

Honora cleared her throat. “Don’t jump to conclusions too soon. The investigation is still early.
But
your party was the perfect cover for Austin if he wanted to off his dad.” She tilted her head, eyeing Clover.

“What?” Clover asked. “You’ve got that look on your face that says you want to say more but don’t know how. Might as well spit it out.”

Honora reached over and held Clover’s hand. “I hate to tell you this, but you don’t have enough time to solve this case. You might have to face the inevitable, and I want you to be prepared.”

Clover pulled away, slightly insulted. “I’m not beaten yet. I’ve just started and I have a few good leads. You aren’t the only one who can investigate. I’m standing pat until the warrant is served,” she countered. Tension crackled between them.

“We’re here no matter what happens,” Vivi said, always trying to keep the peace. “Let’s focus on Clover’s next move.”

“Okay. That’s fair.” Honora held up her palms in surrender and shifted into investigator mode effortlessly. “You have to ask yourself who has the most to gain? Why was the murder committed?”

Clover considered the question. “Money is a powerful motive, as is revenge and love.” She took a bite of her sandwich.

“I get the money and revenge motive, but love?” Vivi asked.

“I mean love gone bad, like jealousy. Now that’s a good motive for murder. That hot rush of jealousy causes witches and wizards to do a lot of irrational things they wouldn’t ordinarily do.” Clover shifted in her seat. “I’ve been focusing on the murder weapon since I don’t know the victim enough to get a sense of his personal circle.”

“That’s smart. Keep at it. If it were me, I would check out Bradley Adams. That and make an excuse to head back over to the farm. It sounds like the Winters were looking to do a deal with Austin. They seem pretty desperate.” Honora drained her tea.

“That turns my stomach,” Vivi said. “I can’t imagine Austin letting them tear down the labyrinth to plant more trees or crops.”

“I need to check on Austin’s financials and find out if he needed the money. Financial strain goes a long way to forming a motive. Can you help me with that, Honora?” Her sister’s private investigation business was booming since a big case she handled like a pro went public a few months back.

Honora cocked her eyebrow. “Now you’re thinking. And, yes, I can. I’ll check the records in Stargazer City when I get back to my office, and I’ll send a messenger with whatever I find out.” Honora leaned forward. “Don’t look now, but our distinguished sheriff just walked in.”

Clover turned around, and they all stared as Lance Gardener strolled up to the counter and bought a box lunch from Arnica.

“I’m going to go say hello.” Vivi smiled and sauntered over.

“What do you think they’re talking about?” Honora asked.

“Maybe setting up a date. Things got a little heated between them at my house the other day.”

“I’m just glad she finally has a steady wizard. Now we just need to find someone for you.” Honora wiggled her eyebrows.

“I’ll get right on that as soon as I catch Oliver Yearling’s killer and get myself off the hook with the sheriff.” Clover rolled her eyes dramatically. Honora had romance on the brain.

“You kid, but in case you hadn’t noticed, life doesn’t stop being busy. You have to make time to meet someone.”

“I never meet anyone nice when I’m trying to meet someone. I usually end up on an awkward blind date with a handsy wizards looking for easy love. No, thank you. I’m leaving my dating life up to fate right now.”

“Good luck with that. We all know fate’s a fickle witch.” Honora’s eyes widened in mock horror. She’d always been the aggressive sister. Dating was a full contact sport for her.

Vivi hurried back and plopped down in her chair, a mischievous grin curled up on her lips. “You aren’t going to believe what I just found out.”

“What?” Clover said, overjoyed with the shift in conversation.

“There’s a public reading of Oliver Yearling’s will
today
,” she said, her voice filled with the excitement at the opportunity it provided. “At two o’clock right here in Willow Realm.”

“Lance told you that?” Honora asked. Her brow rose skeptically.

“Well, no, it was Arnica. When I walked up to talk to Lance, she happened to ask if he was attending the reading, and I overheard. He’s keeping pretty tight-lipped about the case, thinks it’s better if we don’t talk about it. So after he left with his lunch and a peck on the cheek from me, I asked her about it. That witch knows everything that happens in this town. She said Oliver left instructions that the will was to be read immediately after his death and his lawyer is holding the reading in his office a few blocks down over from Main Street.”

“A public reading.” Clover felt a spark of hope.

Honora drummed her long fingers on the padded armrest of her chair. “That’s your lucky break, sister.”

“I’ll find out if Austin is the sole beneficiary and see who else is interested in Oliver’s estate.”

The three sisters parted for the day. Honora had to get back to Stargazer City and Vivi to The Potion Garden. Since she had some time to kill before the will was read, Clover strolled down Main Street and headed over to the farmers market to do some digging on Gwen and Grady Winters. After what she heard last night, she was more curious than ever. Every afternoon in the summer, the farmers market was set up a few streets over in the grassy park across from the town square. Growers from all over came to sell fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs, honey, and baked goods. Clover occasionally dropped by with her basket in tow to peruse the bright, delectable offerings.

After a quick survey of the crowd, Clover realized that Gwen and Grady weren’t in attendance, but they did have a table set up, being worked by a young male wizard. Clover maneuvered her way through a tight crowd in front of the Winters’ booth. Getting close to the produce was going to be harder than she realized. A group of young witches surrounded the table, jostling for a spot. Clover nudged the arm of a wizard in front of her. “What’s going on at the Sugar Snap Farms table?” she asked.

“They’re showing a new product.”

“Is it produce?” she asked, intrigued. Fruit usually didn’t draw such an excited crowd.

“Yep. You’ve got to taste it, too. This is my third time back.” His lips were stained a ruddy shade of orange.

“What is it?” she asked.

“I’ll let you find out for yourself. Go ahead. You can take my spot.” The wizard stepped aside to let Clover move ahead of him and she wove her way to the front of the table to see exactly what he was talking about.

Lined up in woven baskets were mounds of orange-colored balls the size of a robin’s egg. The smell was heavenly, and by the looks on the faces of the witches eating samples, the golden fruit must have tasted even better. “What are they?” she asked and the young wizard manning the booth held out his palm to her.

“Try a peach berry.” He grinned. “You’re going to love them.”

“Peach berry,” Clover said and inspected the tiny fruit with suspicion. “Is this new? When did Gwen and Grady come up with this?” Clover inspected the soft, fuzzy-skinned berry with her finger. She’d had no idea that the growers were concocting a new line of fruit, but she had to admit it was ingenious. At least the Winters had some success from their experiments.

“It’s a peach but in a small bite-sized delivery. Like a peach married a berry. It won’t bite back. I promise.” His eyes twinkled.

A hybrid.

Clover popped the berry into her mouth to an explosion of flavor—sweet, delicate, and lush. She groaned while chewing, causing the wizard’s face to light up. After swallowing, she asked, “How long have you worked at Sugar Snap? I’ve never seen you before.”

“This is my first season with them. I came on to help with new products like the peach berry and others. I’m Pete,” he said with an affable grin.

Pete,
she thought, remembering the name she’d heard last night. So this was Gwen’s new wizard—her savior. Clover had to admit he was charming.

His warm and casual demeanor was infectious. He worked the crowd, showing off the new fruit and chatting up the customers. As a salesman and spokesperson for the farm, he was doing a great job. “Have another sample if you want.”

“How about I buy some,” Clover said, handing him a gold coin and scooping up a basket of peach berries to take back to her house.

“Help yourself. Don’t hesitate to ask any more questions.”

“How did you grow these? A bush or a tree?”

“Neither. We used a new vine technique that’s been in development for years and recently got approved by the counsel of magical growers.”

“Really? Sounds interesting. That must use a lot of experimental magic like hybrid conjuring, growth spells, really advanced stuff.” Clover tossed out a few phrases to gauge his reaction.

He arched his brow, either impressed or suspicious, she couldn’t tell. “I’d like to think we’re on the cutting edge. Many growers underestimate the potential of spellcraft farming, but not the Winters.”

“I always thought of Gwen and Grady as old-fashioned country farmers. I never knew they were into this kind of magical growing.” Talk about weird science. But still she had to admit the final product was delicious, and if approved by the grower’s council, he might have a point and a lucrative product.