Page 17 of Herbs & Hex-breaking

“Sure,” I said automatically, and hurried across the bookstore. As soon as I hit the doorway I saw why Taylor had called for help. The sales floor of my shop was packed. Apparently, a walking tour had stopped, allowing the attendees to browse.

Circe was right behind me. “Goddess bless the Halloween season ghost tour groups.”

With a nod, I hurried across the floor to help a customer asking about one of my spice mixes.

For the next hour the store was crazy busy, and Taylor and I ran our asses off measuring out teas, herbs and spices for the customers. I sold some houseplants as well, and eventually the crowd wound down.

However, even after the tour group had left, all three of our stores remained busy thanks to the annual run up to Halloween. By the time I had a chance to speak privately to Lorna, it was after close.

I found Lorna sitting behind her front counter on her phone. “If you hear from him,” she said, “please let me know.”

I waited until she had ended her call to speak. “No news?”

“No,” she said, placing her phone on the counter. “I’ve checked at the gym, with a few mutual friends, and no one has heard from Dex. This is not like him. The fact that he left his car and his cell phone behind worries me. It’s almost like he...”

“Doesn’t want to be found?” I finished for her.

“How was he at your place last night?” Lorna asked. “Did he say anything unusual or act differently?”

I could feel the blush riding my cheeks. I did not want to lie to my friend, but what had happened between Dex and I was private.

“By the old gods!” Lorna yanked her ponytail holder from her hair and scrubbed a hand through her long hair. “I can’t believe it. There’s no logical reason for him to just disappear this way. He would never do that to me.”

I gulped hard at her words. “I know you two are close...”

“He’s my family, and I’m his. Something is wrong. I know it.”

“Your private book club is tonight, correct?” I asked. “Perhaps you can ask your book club members if they’ve heard from him or seen him.”

“Gods!” Lorna rubbed her hand across her forehead. “I’d forgotten tonight was the new moon.”

“Would you like me to go upstairs and help you set up the chairs for the club?”

“I can do it.” Lorna blew out a frustrated breath. “Thanks anyway.”

“Let me know if you need anything,” I said,

“I will,” Lorna said as she hustled upstairs. “You’re a good friend, Kate.”

I nodded, feeling miserable at keeping my secret. Before I headed up to my own apartment, I tucked the PI’s card in my desk drawer.

***

A few days later, on the morning of Halloween, Dex was still missing, and Lorna had grown very quiet and a little distant. As for me, I was torn between my worry for Dex, embarrassment over keeping the whole thing a secret, and a nice simmering anger. Nobody liked being played, and I had the horrible suspicion that Dex had manipulated me. He had used my feelings and my attraction to his advantage, got what he wanted, and walked away.

I got dressed for the day, tossing on a black mid-length dress, clipped my hair up and out of the way, and put on a basic work face. I also put on my favorite necklace. It was a simple silver chain with an enameled Hekate’s Wheel pendant on it, a gift from Yia-yia—my Greek grandmother. I told myself the pendant was like magickal armor for my upcoming interview with that private investigator of Lorna’s.

Nash Ellington was coming back that morning for another chat. He had called me ahead of time and requested a private meeting before I opened for the day—follow up questions he’d called them. As if I didn’t have enough on my mind, now I had to deal with the investigator’s questions.

Ellington arrived right on time and I welcomed him inside.

“Appreciate you taking the time to see me, Ms. Weaver,” he began.

“Of course,” I said, gesturing for him to follow me to my small back storage room and office area. “Halloween is a busy day for us here, so we have to be quick.”

He nodded and gave me a friendly smile. “I understand.” As he considered the back room he smiled. “This is a nice, tidy workspace.”

“Thank you,” I said, willing myself not to be nervous.