Page 12 of The Hearth Witch’s Guide to Spite & Spellwork

“But you’ve just sparked an idea that demands exploration.”

“And that exploration cannot wait?”

Avery flinched. “Would you judge me harshly if I told you I was terrible at waiting?”

“I’m a Mercy. It’s not my place to judge.” Her expression said otherwise. “I had hoped…” She shook her head. “What is this idea I inspired?”

“An off-the-record case I’m working. Let’s call it professional curiosity,” Avery offered.

It was not the coldness she had shown Ms. Aldridge, but Velouette’s natural warmth had chilled. “This wouldn’t be the sort of professional curiosity that would violate your parole, would it?”

Avery blinked. “I can’t kill a king twice, Velouette.”

“That remains to be seen.”

Avery’s heart stopped. No. He was gone. He was gone and he wasn’t coming back. If he was he would have done so by now—wouldn’t he? “Do you know something…”

Velouette laughed. “Your face.”

“I don’t…”

“It was a joke, Avery.”

The changeling pressed a hand over her heart. It was pounding. “I do not find it funny.”

“Well, I did, so let’s call us even.” But Velouette’s face had lost its humor. “What do you need me to pull?”

The muscles in Avery’s shoulders wanted to relax, but she could feel the tension lingering. “Any records pertaining to someone in the Hudson line of witches.”

“Business records?”

“No.”

It was Velouette’s turn to be confused, which she punctuated with a small chuff. “Can you tell me what I am looking for?”

“No.”

“Well, at least you’re honest.” Her voice was stained with disappointment once more. “I can have my assistant look into it when she’s back in the office. She might have something for you next week.”

“That would be deeply appreciated.” Avery unplugged the still weakly sizzling contraption. “I recommend you also have her get you a new kettle. This one appears to be on its last breath. You do good work, and you deserve more than tepid and bitter. I suspect you get enough of that from your colleague.”

That startled a laugh out of Velouette. “Bitter, perhaps, but tepid? As you witnessed, Justice Norton’s temper is far from tepid. Were he any more passionate, he would be personally arresting criminals on top of trying them.”12

Avery set the kettle back down. “My point still stands. You deserve better.”

“I agree.” Velouette took her coat and purse from the rack. “So, you won’t think it rude if I take my leave now? I’ve just enough time to run an errand before my lunch date.”

Avery frowned, getting the sense she had caused offense but unable to pinpoint how. “Not at all.”

“I mean,” Velouette continued with emphasis as she pulled on a long dark coat and a light-colored scarf that matched her hair, “I would hate to be late on account of mere professional curiosity.” She spat the words like profanity.

Oh. Oh. “Velouette—”

“Is it raining?”

“It is not.”

Velouette left the felt hat on the rack and stepped into her office to retrieve a small iron key strung on a chain and slip it into her coat pocket. “You can see yourself out. The door will lock behind you.”