Ella bit the side of her lip. “I thought you said he was capable.”
“Capable, my foot. He’s—”
“Your only option,” Vivian cut in. She checked items off on her fingers. “Let’s see, you don’t have access to the castle, so you can’t visit the crime scene. He’s already suspicious of you, so the moment he gets wind you’re questioning suspects, he’ll be even more suspicious.” She wriggled her third finger. “And you have literally no experience solving crime. None.”
“Oh, is that all?” I drawled, sliding my fingertip through the puddle of tea. The fragrant liquid bubbled at my touch and evaporated. Ella’s eyes widened at the simple spell. “I have a few cards up my sleeve. Detective Chambers doesn’t have magic at his disposal.”
Vivian smirked and pointed at my neckline. “Neither do you. Not good magic anyway.”
I glanced at the tea stain soaking the front of my dress. Damn. I’d crossed an evaporation spell with a relocation spell. The tips of my ears heated as I brushed uselessly at the wet fabric. So much for proving a point. Professional help might be warranted after all.
“All right. How do I convince Detective Chambers to let me investigate the case? He won’t welcome me with open arms and spill his secrets.”
Neither woman answered. The clock on the mantel ticked off the uncomfortable seconds. Vivian squirmed in her seat and rubbed the back of her neck. She had nothing.
“Well? This was your brilliant idea, Viv.” I slumped in my chair.
Ella broke the silence. “Use me.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“I may not remember much, but he doesn’t have to know that. There’s got to be some detail they didn’t release to the public. When he realizes you can see my ghost, he’ll have to let you help.” She drifted into a pool of candlelight, and her gown sparkled, giving off an ethereal glow. The hemline ended at her ankles, where a crystal shoe poked out from underneath. A single shoe.
My gaze snagged on the translucent slipper. I recalled the details Sylvia had mentioned. She’d discussed the fountain, and the rose left between Ella’s fingers, but nothing about a missing slipper.
“I have an idea.” I pointed to Ella’s feet. “You’re only wearing one shoe. The other must have come off during your struggle with the killer.”
“Do you think that’s important?” Ella lifted the hem of her gown and stuck out her bare foot.
“It might be if they didn’t find it at the scene. Either way, it’s information I can use when I visit the detective.”
Vivian looked skeptical.
“What? You said I needed Derrick’s help, so why the face?”
“It’s just, telling people—especially people in authority—you see ghosts doesn’t always go the way you’d expect. He might react poorly and…” Her voice faded, and she bowed her head. I knew that look. I’d seen it before when we were younger and Vivian had learned not everyone appreciated her ghostly calling. It was a lesson that still gave her nightmares.
“He might think I’m crazy?”
Vivian fidgeted with the handle of her teacup, unable to meet my eyes. “He could have you committed. There are worse places than prison.”
“It won’t come to that.” My gut churned. Our entire plan rested on the whims of a man who already found me lacking. There was a high chance I’d be leaving his office in some form of restraint. I didn’t like the odds. Not one bit.
Chapter 7
Sunshine glinted off the arched windows of the Royal Agency. The rays of light did little to improve the grim stone facade and iron gate separating the building from the crowded street.
I stood in front of the bars and pulled my cloak tighter around my body. A chilly wind carried brittle leaves through the air and numbed my exposed fingers while I gathered the courage to go inside.
Ella had vanished before dawn, and I’d remained at Vivian’s trying to get a few hours of sleep. Not that it did any good. I’d tossed and turned, plagued with nightmares that dissipated like smoke when I opened my eyes. The plans we’d made in the dark felt flawed in the daylight.
“Good morning, Miss Daniels. Are you here to see Detective Chambers?”
I located the voice, spotting Abrams walking toward the entrance. He rubbed bloodshot eyes, a sign his night shifts were taking a toll. His uniform was wrinkled yet clean, and he tugged the cap from his head, twisting the brim in his hands as he gave a weak smile.
“Yes. I need to speak to him about my fines.”
Abrams nodded and leaned closer, lowering his tone. “He’s a stickler when it comes to the law, but I’m surprised he came down so hard on you. Others would have turned a blind eye.”
