“Not as ridiculous as some men you’ve liked.”
Leaves crunched under our feet as we wove between townspeople, and I stepped around a few enchanted jack-o’-lanterns that wandered across the path on stubby vine legs.
“Once we get to know Darcy like Charles does, I’m sure we’ll see that he isn’t capable of killing anyone,” Jane said after a moment.
Pushing away a sliver of guilt, I fingered the glass vial in my pocket. I was going to get to know Darcy, but not for the reasons Jane hoped. If he had the police force in his pocket—who was he to do that anyway?—I had to find out everything I could about him, and this was my best shot. I’d saved a bit of the veritas potion I brewed the other night, so all I had to do was give it to Darcy without him or Jane noticing.
I had no idea why Darcy agreed to come today, but this was my chance to verify his motive, means, and opportunity.
Well, just his motive, as his opportunity and means were clear.
“Who knows? Maybe you two will even become friends?” She shot me a hopeful smile.
I pressed my lips together instead of telling Jane that it was more likely for me to decide to stay in Austen Heights forever than it was for Darcy and me to be friends, especially after that crap he pulled with Mom.
“Give him a chance, Lizzy.”
“Why are you hounding me about this, Jane? You don’t know him that well, either.” It wasn’t like her to be so stubborn about something, which was yet another sign of how quickly she was falling for Charles.
She bit her lip, betraying her discomfort. Even this small confrontation was hard for her, but she didn’t look away. “Because once you make up your mind about someone, it can be hard to change it.”
“Well, excuse me for not wanting to be friends with a killer.” I cleared my throat and glanced down at my ankle boots.
“You’re dressed nicely for someone who isn’t trying to impress anyone.” Jane tugged on the sleeve of my knit sweater and gave me a small smile, trying to clear the air.
“I don’t want to give the fae any more reason to look down on us.” Plus, it wouldn’t hurt to look my best for what I had planned.
Jane sighed and fell silent, so I pulled my scarf tighter over my loose brown waves to counter the chill and reviewed what I’d learned so far.
Darcy had killed Easton with his magic outside Netherfield Park, and I’d confirmed with a friend of mine on the force that the cause of death was unknown. The police still leaned toward Mom, for reasons I had yet to get to the bottom of. That was one of many things I hoped to discover today. But since my questions had proved ineffective before, it was time to try sweet-talking the answers out of him with what the town called the “Bennet charm” mixed with a healthy dose of a truth potion.
We passed Lydia chatting with a girl at the Enchanted Teapot’s booth. The two were deep in conversation with their heads pressed together.
“When did they become friends?” I asked Jane as I tilted my head toward Lydia and the other girl.
“I don’t know. I guess they moved in while we were off at college, so maybe then,” she said. “She’s the daughter of the fae who own the Enchanted Teapot, right?”
“I think so.” They weren’t exactly our business rivals since they sold herbal remedies, but they were the closestthing our potion shop had to competition in Austen Heights. Although when it came to rivals, Mom always said her biggest competition was Mrs. Long, which made absolutely no sense since she owned a fashion boutique. Those two always found the silliest things to compete with.
Lydia caught my eye, then linked arms with the other girl and pulled her away.
I glanced at Jane, but she was fidgeting with her skirt, her brow pinched as she studied her outfit. I grabbed her hand to stop the nervous gesture. “You look beautiful, Jane.”
Her expression cleared like the sun glinting off the harbor, and her dimples peeked out. “Thanks, Lizzy.”
I sighed in mock disappointment. “You see? That’s exactly what I’m talking about. You’re far too nice to everyone and forgive far too easily, which is exactly why I have to be twice as disagreeable for both of us.”
“And you have to hold on to grudges longer?” Jane asked with a grin.
“Precisely.”
We burst out into laughter. It was times like these when it was easy to remember that Jane wasn’t just my big sister. She was my best friend.
“Jane!” Charles called as he elbowed his way through the crowd.
Jane squeezed my hand and said in a low voice, “Promise me you’ll give Darcy a chance.”
“I will.” I’d give him a chance to explain himself with the help of my potion, which maybe wasn’t what she wanted but was the best I could offer.
