Grave Insight (A Maddie Graves Mystery Book 2) (6 page)

Nick let himself in through the front door of Magicks, replacing the key under the ceramic turtle on the front porch before shutting and locking the door. Maddie and Maude weren’t expecting him, but he was too antsy to sit home alone.

He wasn’t surprised to find Maddie curled up with a book in the front window seat. Olivia had built the extended space specifically so Maddie and Nick would have a place to hang out in the store when she was working. It was Maddie’s favorite spot in the house, which made it Nick’s favorite spot, too.

“Hey,” Maddie said, surprise washing over her face. “What are you doing here?”

“I just didn’t feel like being alone,” Nick said, kicking off his shoes and climbing up next to her so he could recline against the mountain of pillows.

“What’s wrong?”

Nick brushed Maddie’s blonde hair away from her concerned face. “Cassidy is hiding from me.”

“Define hiding.”

“I sat outside of her house for two hours last night,” Nick said. “She didn’t come home.”

“Maybe she was already home.”

“I thought about that,” Nick said. “The idea made me … uncomfortable. The house was dark. If she was in there, she not only knew I was sitting in the driveway, but she was also sitting in dark so she didn’t have to face me.”

“I feel sorry for her,” Maddie said.

“Why?”

“Because … you know why.”

“I don’t until you tell me,” Nick prodded.

“I went into the flower shop today,” Maddie said, changing the subject.

Nick sighed. Now was not the time for a serious conversation. Delaying it was giving him an ulcer, though. “You went to see Tara?”

“Yeah. I told her I was looking for a gift for Maude because she was so upset about the Edna situation.”

“I’m almost afraid to ask,” Nick said. “What’s the Edna situation?”

“Apparently she wants to be a Pink Lady. I didn’t know about the Pink Lady Society until today, by the way. It seems I’ve been missing out.”

Nick grinned. “They’re very selective. I’m an honorary member.”

“You are not,” Maddie said, slapping his thigh playfully.

“I am. I helped Irma when she got a flat tire and she made me an honorary member,” Nick said. “They all voted and everything. They tried to make me drink tea with bourbon in it.”

“Did they make you dress in pink?”

“I’m far too manly to wear pink.”

“Oh, I think you’d look good in pink.”

Maddie’s face was bare, scrubbed clean before she turned in for the evening. Her clear blue eyes were fathomless pools as she regarded him. Coming here was a bad idea, Nick realized. All he could think about was kissing her. “I look good in everything,” Nick said. “And nothing.”

Maddie’s cheeks colored. “I’ll have to take your word for it.”

“No, you don’t. You got to see how good I looked up close and personal the other night.”

Maddie’s mouth dropped open, scandalized. “I did not see you. I just … hugged you.”

“Oh, don’t lie, Mad,” Nick said, enjoying himself immensely. “I saw you peeking on the beach when you thought I wasn’t looking.”

“I did not!”

Nick tried to refrain from laughing, but he couldn’t. “You’re so easy.”

Maddie pinched his shoulder. “You’re so not funny.”

“I’m a little funny,” Nick said, gripping her hand tightly and pulling it up to his chest.

They rested like that for a few minutes before Maddie broke the silence. “Tara kind of gave me an earful about Cassidy.”

Nick shifted slightly. “They’re friends. I forgot about that. I should have warned you.”

“It was okay,” Maddie said. “She just kind of wanted to give me a warning.”

“A warning about what?”

“She seems aware of your intentions regarding Cassidy.”

“I think everyone in Blackstone Bay is aware of my intentions regarding Cassidy,” Nick said. “I think Cassidy is aware, too, and that’s why she’s hiding. I stopped by her house twice today. I stopped by the school. She called in sick. She’s literally in hiding.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault, Mad. It’s mine.”

“If you don’t want to break up with her … .”

“Don’t you dare finish that sentence,” Nick said. “I want to break up with her. I want … to move on. I’m stuck until I can see her in person.”

“Well, she’ll probably show up at the fair this weekend,” Maddie said.

“I’m hoping I can find her before the fair tomorrow. I’d really rather not break up with her in front of hundreds of people.”

“I understand.”

“If I have to break up with her in front of hundreds of people, though, I’m going to do it,” Nick added. “I’m just … done. I can’t keep doing this. She needs to move on with her life.”

“Well, you can hide here if you need to,” Maddie said. “Maude isn’t scared of pitchforks.”

Nick snickered, lifting his head when Maude noisily clomped into the room. “Speak of the devil.”

“You were talking about Edna Proctor?” Maude deadpanned.

“We were,” Nick said, playing along.

“Well, I have an idea about that,” Maude said, focusing on Maddie. “When she comes to your booth, and she will come because she knows it bugs me, I want you to tell her she’s going to die of the herpes.”

Maddie rolled her eyes. “I’m not going to tell her that. You don’t die from herpes.”

“How do you know?” Maude asked, narrowing her eyes.

“Yeah, Mad, how do you know that?” Nick teased.

Maddie poked him in the ribs. “You’re on thin ice, buddy.”

“Then tell her she’s going to die of Chlamydia,” Maude said. “I’m not particular.”

“First of all, I haven’t even decided if I’m going to run a booth,” Maddie argued.

“You told Catherine you would.”

“I did not,” Maddie said. “You two ambushed me and told me what I would be doing. I never agreed to it.”

“Well, you’re doing it,” Maude said. “I’ll look bad if you back out now.”

“I’m not sure I’m comfortable with it,” Maddie said.

“What kind of booth do they want you to run?” Nick asked.

“They want me to read tarot cards for people.”

“Olivia did that for a few years,” Nick said. “She had a good time. She was popular.”

“That’s because people liked my mother.”

Nick sighed and brushed his hair off his forehead. “People like you, too.”

“No, they don’t. They always stare at me. I can feel their eyes on me. They all think I’m … odd.”

“You are odd,” Nick said. “You’re also amazing and magical. Stop getting down on yourself. I thought you were going to work on your self-esteem?”

“I am. That doesn’t mean I’m oblivious to people staring at me.”

“They’re not staring at you because you’re odd anyway,” Nick said.

“Oh, really? Then why are they staring at me?”

“Because you’re beautiful.”

Maddie froze, embarrassed pleasure climbing her cheeks. “I … .”

“He’s right,” Maude said. “You just need to get over yourself. You’re a beautiful girl. Men stare.”

“Women stare, too.”

“Because they’re jealous,” Nick said.

“You’re making that up.”

“No, I’m not,” Nick said. “You just need to suck it up. Most of the people in this town see you for what you are: sweet and gorgeous. You’re the only one who doesn’t see that.”

“What about Marla Proctor?”

“Tell her she has the herpes,” Maude suggested.

“She probably really does,” Nick said, grimacing. “Now,
she’s
the devil.”

“Her grandmother is the devil,” Maude corrected. “Marla is just the heir apparent.”

Nick snickered and then turned serious. “I think it would be good for you to do the booth,” he said. “You need to put yourself out there a little more. It’s not good to surround yourself with three people and try to live in a small corner of town.”

“I surround myself with more than three people,” Maddie protested.

“You’ve got Maude, Christy and me,” Nick countered. “Who else?”

“Mom.”

“Okay, four,” Nick conceded. “Unfortunately, the fourth is someone only you can see.”

“That doesn’t mean she’s not important to me.”

“Of course she is,” Nick said, tugging on Maddie’s hair so she would focus on him. “I’m not saying she’s not important. I’m just saying it would do you some good to get out and have some fun.”

“How do you know it will be fun?”

“Because, when you’re done, I’m going to take you to the fair and buy you an elephant ear,” Nick said. “I might even win you a stuffed animal if you’re a very good girl.”

Maddie rolled her eyes. “You can’t take me to the fair with the Cassidy situation still up in the air.”

“Oh, good grief, you haven’t handled that yet?” Maude placed her hands on her hips and fixed Nick with a pointed scowl. “Sometimes I worry that you’re addled.”

Nick extended his index finger. “Don’t push me. I’ve had a horrible day.”

“Cassidy has been hiding,” Maddie explained. “She even called in sick to work.”

“That’s a bummer,” Maude said. “It’s downright despicable really.”

“It probably wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t enlightened her last night,” Maddie pointed out.

“Well, live and learn,” Maude said, turning back to the staircase. “I’m going to retire for the evening. I left the Wonder Woman costume on your bed, by the way. You can try it on in the morning.”

“I’m not dressing up as Wonder Woman,” Maddie said. “I told you that.”

“Well, you have to dress up as something. That’s the only costume I have.”

Once Maude was gone, Nick couldn’t resist chasing the costume topic. “Why does Maude have a Wonder Woman costume?”

“I’m scared to ask.”

“Why does she want you to wear it?”

“Because Catherine said Mom used to dress up when she ran a booth at the festival,” Maddie explained.

Nick burst into laughter, the hearty guffaws wracking his solid chest.

“It’s not funny.”

“Olivia dressed up like a gypsy,” Nick said. “Or … I don’t know … a fortune teller. She wore a long skirt. It had little bells on it. I remember. She jangled when she walked. I liked it. She wore some white blouse with it. It was big, and it hung off her shoulders. And then she wrapped her head in a scarf. She didn’t dress up like Wonder Woman.”

“Oh,” Maddie said, understanding dawning. “That makes so much more sense.”

Nick grinned. “It does. Although, I’m not going to lie, if you want to put on the Wonder Woman costume and show it to me, I’d be up for seeing you in it.”

“You’re
so
not funny,” Maddie said, pouting.

“You can’t wear it in front of anyone else, though,” Nick said. “I couldn’t take it if others saw you looking like that.”

“I’m not wearing it in front of anyone. I can promise you that.”

“Oh, one day you’re going to wear that costume for me, Mad,” Nick said. “I can guarantee it.”

“Oh yeah? How can you guarantee it?”

Nick studied her face closely for a second and then slipped his arm under her and pulled her close. Their mouths were inches apart, but neither made a move to close the gap. “I just can.”

He raised his chin up and gave her a soft kiss on the forehead. “Turn off the light.”

“You’re going to sleep here?” Maddie was surprised.

“I can’t bear the thought of sleeping anywhere else,” he said. “I just … need sleep and you. Tomorrow is another day. I’m a police officer, for crying out loud. Cassidy can only hide for so long.”

Maddie switched off the light and settled on her side. Nick wrapped his body around her and rested his face in the hollow of her neck. “Goodnight, my Maddie.”

“Goodnight.”

“This was a great idea,” Christy said, helping Maddie level the table she’d brought from Magicks the next afternoon. “I like the tent. Where did it come from?”

Maddie lifted her head to the purple monstrosity in question and shrugged. “I have no idea. Don’t you think it’s a bit much?”

“It’s a ‘magic’ tent,” Christy corrected. “It’s supposed to be over the top.”

“There are stars on it.”

“So?”

“It just makes me feel … exposed.”

“It’s a tent,” Christy said. “It’s supposed to protect you from the elements.”

“Oh! Is it supposed to rain tonight? That would great.”

Christy grinned. “Clear skies all week … and the weekend. Bummer for you.”

Maddie scowled. “This is just … too much.”

“You’re too much,” Christy said. “You’re not wearing that, are you?”

Maddie glanced down at her denim shorts and T-shirt, unsure. “I was hoping to.”

“No one wants to see a psychic who dresses like a high school girl on summer break.”

“It’s just … I’m not sure I’m comfortable dressing up,” Maddie admitted.

“Did you bring something to dress up in?”

Maddie bit her lip and nodded.

Christy studied her for a second and then drew the flaps of the tent closed. “Get dressed. I’ll watch the door until you’re done.”

“We haven’t finished setting up yet.”

“We will when you’re dressed,” Christy said. “The fair starts in twenty minutes. Don’t make me strip you myself.”

Maddie scowled, but she moved over to the bag she’d brought and opened it. She drew out the crinkly skirt – the purple one Nick had described the night before – and held it up to her slim hips.

“That was your mom’s,” Christy said. “I recognize it.”

“Do you think she would mind if I wore it?”

“I think she would want you to wear it,” Christy said. “She loved that skirt. It jangles when you walk. Did you know that?”

“Nick told me last night. That’s how I knew to look for it.”

“You were with Nick last night?” Christy was intrigued. “Put the skirt on. Did you bring the blouse, too?”

Maddie nodded.

“How about the scarf?”

“I … found three of them. I wasn’t sure which one was right.”

Christy sighed. “I’ll help you with the scarf. Put the blouse and skirt on first.”

Maddie stripped out of her shorts and T-shirt and quickly pulled on the calf-length skirt and blouse. The blouse was big enough to hang off her shoulders and show off her bra.

“First off, your body is just sick,” Christy said. “How often do you work out?”

“Five days a week,” Maddie said. “It hasn’t been as much this past week, though. It’s been too hot. I did swim the other night.”

“Were you alone?”

Maddie shifted. “I … um … .”

“That’s what I thought,” Christy said. “You need to wear something under that blouse. You’re thinner than your mom was. Everyone will be looking down your shirt all night if you wear it that way.

“Although, if I had your body, I would want people to look down my shirt constantly,” she said. “In fact, I’d stop wearing clothes altogether.”

Maddie made a face. “I brought a tank top.”

“Put it on,” Christy instructed. “Tell me what you and Nick did last night.”

“We talked and then we slept in the window seat.”

“That’s it?”

“That’s it,” Maddie said. “I hate to disappoint you, but it was a perfectly chaste evening.” Intentions didn’t count, she reminded herself. Yearning didn’t count.

“What’s the deal with Cassidy?” Christy asked, waiting until Maddie was fully clothed before drifting away from the tent flaps. “That’s a great tank top. I love the sequins.”

“I thought they were festive.”

“They are,” Christy said. “Sit down on the chair. I’ll fix your hair, and then we’ll finish with the tent.”

Maddie obeyed.

“You were about to tell me about Cassidy,” Christy prodded.

“I … I feel really bad.”

“Why?”

“Because Nick is going to break up with her,” Maddie said.

“Well, Maddie, you’re a beautiful girl, but Nick isn’t breaking up with Cassidy just because of you,” Christy said, running a brush through Maddie’s long locks. “He doesn’t love her.”

“It feels like he’s doing it for me,” Maddie admitted. “It feels like … things are changing.”

Christy smiled. “Of course they’re changing,” she said. “There are no more obstacles between you and Nick. You told him the truth. He accepted it. All of the obstacles keeping you apart are gone. Well, Cassidy, but she’s like a speed bump. Now you two are free to be together.”

“What if … ?”

“No,” Christy said, wagging her finger in Maddie’s face. “No more ifs. You’re dealing with
when
now, not
if
. It’s okay to be happy, Maddie. It’s sad Cassidy is having such a hard time, but it’s not your fault.”

“She’s hiding from Nick,” Maddie admitted. “Maude gave her an earful the other night, and Cassidy stormed out of the house because she figured out Nick was going to break up with her. She’s been hiding from him ever since. She even called in sick to work.”

“Oh, that’s awful,” Christy clucked, tying Maddie’s hair up in twin buns on the side of her head and securing them loosely. “I don’t even know what to say to that. It just makes her sound so … pathetic.”

“Which makes me feel like this horny … harlot.”

“Harlot? Nice word. Are you going to burn some witches at the stake soon?”

Maddie made a face. “You know what I mean.”

“I do,” Christy said. “I also know you’re a good person, Maddie. Someone was going to get hurt in this scenario no matter what. Unfortunately, that was always going to be Cassidy. You can’t fix it so you both win. Only one of you is going to win. We all knew it was going to be you.”

Maddie rubbed her forehead, forcing the deep thoughts out of her mind as she focused on the evening ahead. “I can only deal with so much at one time. Let me get through tonight. I’ll worry about Cassidy tomorrow.”

“That sounds like a great idea.”

“I WANT
a tarot card reading.”

Maddie rolled her eyes as she regarded Marla dubiously. “You want me to give you a tarot card reading?”

“Well, me and Charles here.” The man Marla was clinging to was handsome, if a little … sterilized. That was the only word Maddie could think of when she looked at him. His hair was gelled to perfection, and even though the wind billowed occasionally though the tent, it didn’t ruffle in the slightest. His face was chiseled and handsome, but there was no character to it. It was flat. His eyes were dark and expressive, and even though Marla was desperate for him to watch her, he was more interested in watching Maddie.

“Are you a psychic?” Charles asked, his tone teasing.

“I am,” Maddie said, reminding herself that she was playing a part and not outing herself. “Do you want to know anything specific?”

Charles smiled, revealing a dimple in his cheek and a glint in his eyes as he took one of the open seats across from Maddie. “I want to know if I’m going to be rich forever.”

Maddie bit the inside of her cheek. “Okay. How about you, Marla? What do you want to know?”

“I want to know if Charles is going to be rich forever, too.”

That figured.
Maddie forced her face to remain neutral. “Okay. Cut the cards.”

Charles obliged. “So, did you grow up here in Blackstone Bay?”

“Yes,” Maddie said, doling the cards out so she could study them. “Marla and I went to high school together.”

“Oh, were you friends?”

“Definitely not.”

Marla kicked her under the table. “We were friendly.”

In what world? “Yeah, we were great friends.”

The sarcasm wasn’t lost on Charles. “I’m sensing a bit of a rivalry here.”

“Oh, there was no rivalry,” Marla said. “I just ran with one circle, and Maddie ran with one … guy.”

“Oh, you had a serious boyfriend?” Charles studied her naked left hand. “It seems like it didn’t work out.”

“The cards show a bright future for you,” Maddie said, opting to make up a future instead of reading the muddled mess in front of her. It wasn’t exactly bad, but it wasn’t exactly good either. Since this was her last reading of the night, she just wanted to get it over with. “It seems your wealth will be growing exponentially.”

Charles smirked. “Of course it will be.”

“It seems you’re going to have a very happy life.”

“What about me?” Marla pressed.

Maddie forced herself to remain calm. “You’re going to get everything you deserve, and so much more.”

Marla beamed. “I knew it!”

“It seems you’re a good match,” Maddie added. If anyone deserved a smarmy husband with an inflated sense of ego, it was Marla. She didn’t feel guilty about pushing them together.

“We’re a great match,” Marla said.

“Yes,” Charles replied, less enthusiastic. “That’s … outstanding news.”

“MY FEET
are killing me,” Maddie said, stripping out of her shoes and dropping them onto the chair next to Christy as the duo surveyed the dance floor. “Now I remember why I always wear tennis shoes instead of heels.”

“You did a good job, Maddie,” Christy said. “I’m really proud of you.”

“It wasn’t a big deal.”

“You didn’t punch Marla,” Christy pointed out. “I think you deserve an award.”

Maddie glanced over her shoulder and scanned the crowd. She wouldn’t admit it – even to herself – but she was looking for Nick. She was hoping he would make a grand entrance and steal her away for an elephant ear and some alone time. He was nowhere in sight, though.

“I’m sure he’ll show, Maddie,” Christy said, reading her expression. “Just sit back and relax. You’re off the clock.”

“I wasn’t looking for … anyone.”

“Right.”

“I wasn’t.”

“Listen to the music and have a drink,” Christy said, gesturing to the red plastic cup she’d brought over to the table for Maddie. “If you want to get drunk, I totally encourage it. You’re within walking distance of your house. Get hammered. Let loose.”

“I agree.”

Maddie stilled when she heard the voice, recognizing it immediately. Charles Hawthorne III was standing about two feet away, and his gaze was fixed on Maddie. “Mr. Hawthorne,” Maddie said. “It’s nice to see you again.”

Christy arched a quizzical eyebrow.

“This is Marla’s date,” Maddie said pointedly.

“Date, not husband,” Charles said quickly. “This is only our second date. We barely know each other.”

“Well, since you’re on a date, it would probably be in your best interests to bug her,” Christy said, taking an instant dislike to Charles. “We were in the middle of a conversation.”

Charles shot Christy a dark look. “Actually, I was hoping the fetching psychic would grant me a dance.”

Maddie froze in her chair.

“Well, how about it?”

“I … um … .”

“Her feet hurt,” Christy said. “She’s taking a rest.”

“Oh, one dance won’t kill her.”

“No, it won’t.” Nick bumped Charles with his shoulder, pushing him out of the way as he approached the table. He patted Christy’s shoulder in greeting and then focused on Maddie. “How was your big debut? I’m sorry I missed it.”

“Who are you?” Charles asked, irritated.

“I’m Nick Winters.”

“He’s a police officer,” Christy chimed in.

“I am,” Nick said. “I’m off duty, though, and I thought I would take the opportunity to share a dance with my … best friend.”

“Best friend?” Charles looked dubious.

“Yes,” Nick said, refusing to even look at him. “Come on, Mad. We haven’t danced in years.”

Maddie took his extended hand and let him lead her to the dance floor, secretly relieved her knight in shining armor wasn’t looking tarnished in the least this evening.

Nick wrapped his arms around Maddie’s waist and pulled her close. “So, who is your new friend?”

“Marla’s date. They came in for a reading together. I have no idea where she is. She was glued to his side earlier.”

Nick pressed his lips together to keep from laughing. “You really do have abominable luck sometimes.”

“I do,” Maddie agreed. “How was your day? Did … did you find Cassidy?” She was almost afraid to ask.

Nick scowled. “I have searched for her everywhere. I swear, she has to have left town or something. If she has, do you think that saves me from having to break up with her? I mean, if I never hear from her again, it’s not really a relationship, is it?”

“You could always write her a note.”

“Or an email.”