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“I’d love that, actually. I can pick you up in twenty if you’re ready. Though I have to stop at the bar first before we head to Arborwood.”
“Um . . . dare I ask?”
I actually chuckled when I realized how that sounded. “I lost my necklace at Lafitte’s the other night. I called this morning and they’re holding it for me. It’s special. I’d like to have it with me. Especially today.”
“Damn ghosts.” He laughed. “Sorry, I shouldn’t be joking. I’ll be ready.”
“Okay, see you in a few.” I disconnected and raked a hand through my hair, tugging at the strands.
How was this happening?
Chapter 14
Dev
I met Hanlen in front of my building, not wanting to hold her up. I’d already spoken with Manny and Tristan, and they were taking Myst for a puppy spa day. She would love it and probably wouldn’t even realize I was gone.
I crawled into the passenger seat and looked over at Hanlen. “How are you holding up?” I asked.
She blew out a breath and merged into traffic. “I’m still in shock, I think. I can’t believe he’s gone. I know that Bea said he was feeling a little under the weather the other day, but I didn’t think it was bad. She even mentioned that he was supposed to go to the store.”
“Do you know any details? Not that it matters . . .”
“No. Bea tried to leave me a message and couldn’t get the words out. Her at-home nurse ended up leaving the voicemail. Nurse Pritchett comes every other week to check on the couple and make sure everything’s good. All she said was that he was found dead.”
I reached over and put my hand over hers where it rested on the gearshift, lending her a little bit of strength—both metaphorically and magically. I saw her straighten in her seat and then she turned her hand and twined her fingers with mine, squeezing a bit. She didn’t let go, and neither did I.
When we got to Lafitte’s, she hopped out of the SUV and ran to the front door, knocking on the sidelight. A minute later, the door opened, and Brenda appeared. I watched the ladies exchange some words and then Brenda handed Hanlen a white envelope. Hanlen put her hand to her chest, cradling and hugging the paper-shrouded bundle, and said something more, but Brenda just gripped her other hand and waved her off.
When Hanlen returned to the driver’s seat, her energy was lighter already. She dropped her head back on the headrest and let out a big breath. “I am so grateful that she found this,” she said, shaking the envelope and making the contents rattle inside. “I don’t know what I would have done without it.” She tore open a corner of the paper and dropped the contents into her palm, the necklace making a golden puddle.
I moved a little closer to get a better look, and every nerve ending came alive. “Where did you get that?” I asked.
“It belonged to my best friend. It makes me feel closer to her. Makes me feel protected somehow,” she said and righted the necklace. The golden veve dangled from its beaded chain, the deeper meaning of the geometric sigil representing the lwa hanging in the silence of the SUV’s cab. “I know that sounds crazy, but it’s always been that way.”
Not crazy at all.
Did I tell her what she held? Did it matter? I decided to file the information away for later. For a better time.
I watched as she slipped the chain over her head and touched the pendant to her lips before dropping it under her shirt. I knew what I’d see if I activated my Sight. But to make sure, I did exactly that. I opened myself to see beyond the veil and clearly saw the silvery blue outline around Hanlen’s aura—the protection spell woven into the piece of jewelry she wore. It was strong magic. Familiar Vodou magic. Though I had no idea what it meant. But that was for another time.
The drive to Arborwood was mostly silent, both of us lost in our own worlds, though for different reasons. When we pulled through the property gates and saw the police cruisers and ambulances and other official vehicles, I turned to Hanlen.
“That seems a bit excessive for a heart attack.”
“I was just thinking the same thing,” she said, driving past the main manor and getting as close to the cottage as she could.
We got out of the SUV and made our way over. Detective Stephanie Miller saw us and headed our way, stopping us before we got too close.
“What are you two doing here?” she asked, a bit of suspicion in her tone.
Hanlen made a circle with her finger, indicating everything around us. “This is my property. Bea called me this morning, and Nurse Pritchett asked me to come. I was supposed to meet Dev for some show stuff—this is their next location—and he asked to come along. He and Bea met the other day and hit it off. I thought he might be comforting to her.”
“Wow, small world,” Stephanie said. “I’m so sorry, Ms. Arbor. After the other night and now this . . . unfortunately, we are going to need to speak with you both again.”
I saw the confusion crease Hanlen’s face. “Why? I just told you my relationship and why I’m here. Not to mention, I’m not even sure whyyou’rehere,” she said.
Stephanie appeared perplexed for a minute. “Because it’s strange that two people you’re associated with have now wound up dead,” said another stern, male voice. I looked over to see a detective I wasn’t familiar with. I thought his name was Walker or something.
