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Which was a warning, even if it was pleasantly said. “A sentiment I agree with.”
“Good. I’m glad we understand each other.”
With that, she left. I watched until she disappeared around a distant corner, and then closed the door and went upstairs.
Sleep hit hard and fast, but so too did the dreams.
Aiden featured prominently, as did shoes.
Not just any shoes, but black-and-white wingtips.
Wingtips that were saturated in blood.
Chapter Eleven
It was nearly noon by the time I clattered down the stairs. The café was surprisingly full, so I swung into the kitchen to help Mike out. Once the lunch rush had eased, I sliced some ham from the bone to make sandwiches for both Belle and me, and then walked across to a corner table bathed in sunshine. She appeared a few minutes later and placed a tray holding a large teapot and a couple of cups on the table.
“You look like shit,” she said, as she dropped down on the seat opposite.
I snorted softly. “Pot, meet kettle.”
“Yeah, but my eye baggies couldn’t hold a decent-size purse. I’d wager yours can.” She reached across and snagged one of the sandwiches. “So where did the wisp lead you?”
I brought Belle up to speed and then said, “I don’t suppose the gossip vine had an update on Anna’s condition this morning?”
She shook her head. “They’ve been too busy ruminating on the reasons why someone might have shot at our door.”
“Any interesting theories?”
“I think the best suggested Rosie was expressing her annoyance that we hadn’t been able to find her diamond ring.”
I blinked. “I can’t remember meeting a Rosie, let alone being asked to find her diamond.”
“You weren’t. According to another of the gossips, Rosie has dementia and was referring to a past psychic rather than us.”
“Oh. Good.”
Belle reached for another sandwich half. “I have been giving the wisp’s appearance here some thought, however.”
“Why? It’s more than likely Anna sent him.”
“Given the state you found her in, it’s doubtful she would have had the strength for any sort of magic, let alone be coherent enough to command a wisp.”
“Agreed, but wisps aren’t known for randomly deciding to help like that.”
Leading people astray, most certainly. But even then, it was generally only after they’d been called on for help.
“Which—when combined with the fact the wild magic interfered with your spell in the cemetery—suggests there is a greater force at work here.”
“Meaning you think Anna’s right? That the missing reservation witch is still here somewhere?”
“I think it’s a possibility. There’s an unusual sentience in the magic of this place.”
I brushed the crumbs from my fingers. “I don’t suppose the spirits have anything to say about that possibility?”
“What do you think?”
“I think one of these days they’re going to give us a direct answer and we’re both going to keel over in shock.” I leaned back. “I also think the vampire will make his final move tonight.”
