Pies and Potions (12 page)

Chapter Nineteen

How could something like this have happened in Mystic Hollow? We were supposed to be a happy town and happy towns didn’t have murdered magical investigators.

The night air had been pleasant until now. Waves of magic shimmered in the air circling me. My hands felt clammy and my face flushed. I guess finding a dead man would do that to a person. A nervous vibration pulsed through me and shaking it seemed next to impossible.

Since Mystic Hollow was the size of a postage stamp, the sirens sounded quickly. Thank heavens. It seemed like only seconds passed before car doors slammed from what sounded like the front of the café.

The echoes of footfalls running hit my ears seconds later. I stood by the back door with my feet frozen, yet my whole body trembled. I turned and stared out into the opposite direction of the Dumpster. The thought of watching any longer made my stomach turn.

Sheriff Jasper appeared from around the side of the building. He looked at me, but didn’t stop as I pointed toward the Dumpster. A couple more policemen ran after him. I was pretty sure the entire force was now behind Mystic Café—not that we had a lot of police, only a handful, actually.

After a couple minutes, Sheriff Jasper approached me. His brown uniform was crisp, the shirt starched to attention with shiny collar pins and cuff links. His nametag and badge rested over his breast. He had thick dark hair, and long, full lashes outlined his gorgeous brown eyes. No wonder Mary Jane had fallen for him.

“Elly, we need to talk,” he said looking at me intently.

“Do you want to talk here?” My voice wavered.

He nodded, a frown spread across his face unlike any I’d ever seen. Talk about feeling uncomfortable. Before he opened his mouth to speak, he pulled a notepad from his pocket—all official-like. Mary Jane popped around the corner with her mouth gaping. She spotted me and ran over.

“Oh, Elly.” She held her chest. “I heard the sirens and heard they were headed for the café and I panicked. What happened?”

“Mary Jane.” Sheriff Jasper tipped his hat in her direction. She stopped in her tracks. “I’m interviewing Ms. Blair. Do you mind waiting over there?” He pointed to the other side of the lot.

She grinned, not arguing with him, which was uncharacteristic of Mary Jane. I guess being in love changed everything.

“Now, tell me everything. I’m assuming you have an explanation as to why this man is dead behind your café and why there’s a knife in his chest.” His deep brown eyes made his question warm when I felt terrified on the inside. But the subject matter wasn’t warm in the least. It was cold and harsh, and all too real.

“I don’t know why he’s here. I barely knew him.” I shrugged, then continued to pick at the imaginary loose thread on my dress.

“Did you hear anything? See anything?” he asked.

I didn’t answer, but he stared, so I knew I’d have to eventually.

Finally, I said, “No, I didn’t see anything.” I shook my head.

The knife as the murder weapon was freaking me out and I didn’t know how much I should say. Police could use things like that against you, even when innocent. One minute you’re free as a bird, then the next, you’re trading cigarettes for candy bars and wearing ugly orange jumpsuits. And I didn’t smoke; I wouldn’t last long in prison. I couldn’t afford an attorney. “I don’t know how long he’s been there. I guess it happened sometime tonight. I mean, obviously he wasn’t there earlier today,” I said, wishing I could escape this entire situation.

“Well, I’m not sure of the time of death yet. I agree though, I’d say he hasn’t been there long.”

I nodded, then folded my arms in front of my chest and looked down. I fought back the sour taste in my throat.

“We’ll spend some time collecting any evidence that we find. Things like this just don’t happen in Mystic Hollow, you know.” He frowned. “I’ll be back to talk with you, so don’t go anywhere.”

I looked up at him just in time to catch his worried expression. I rubbed my forehead, then shoved my hands into my pockets. Sheriff Jasper stared for a beat, then turned on his heel and joined the mass of uniforms. He pulled Mary Jane aside, probably to ask her questions. By the look on her face, it didn’t appear as if she objected to talking with him.

Would the sheriff think I was acting suspicious? Nervous? I didn’t know if I should share any details with him. The magic world was something I wasn’t comfortable sharing with just anyone. Sure, he knew of the magic, but I still didn’t like discussing it.

Should I tell him about the knife? Would my fingerprints be on the murder weapon? They might as well cuff me now. But what if my knife wasn’t related to this? But what if it was? It had to be, right? I shuddered at the thought of the killer being right outside the back door when I had been inside the café. Poor Mr. Wibble.

After a few minutes, Sheriff Jasper left Mary Jane’s side and she immediately ran over. “What the hell is going on, Elly? Is it true? Is that Mr. Wibble?” She turned her attention away from me and gazed across the lot, craning her neck to get a better view.

“I’m afraid so,” I said, twisting my hands.

“Oh, honey. And you found him? You poor thing.”

I nodded, then sat on the step. Mary Jane joined me, draping her arm around my shoulders. She gave my leg a pat.

I let out deep breath. “
Mr. Wibble
is the poor thing. I can’t believe this happened.”

“Do you want to share the details?” she asked.

I didn’t, but since it was Mary Jane, I filled her in on everything—knife and all.

“You have to tell them about the knife. If they find out and you didn’t share this little details, it’ll look bad. Plus they need to know someone broke into the café so maybe they can catch them.”

I sighed. “I guess you’re right. Why did this happen? I mean, right after the magic spell that was supposed to make everyone happy went wrong, now this happens. Happy people don’t murder other people.”

“Wait. What do you mean the spell went wrong? Is that why I’ve been seeing crazy things going on round town?”

My stomach turned at the thought of admitting it again. “Yes, and I accidentally put too much potion in the mashed potatoes, so I think I may be responsible.”

“So that’s why the investigators came. It wasn’t just for Tom?”

“No. It wasn’t. Oh, Mary Jane, I’m so worried. Do you think this murder has anything to do with the magic? Was that why someone murdered him?” I chewed my bottom lip, considering my own question.

“Anything is possible, honey. I don’t know.” She shrugged.

“Who do you think would do such a thing to Mr. Wibble?” I asked.

“I have no idea. Maybe he had an enemy who followed him here.”

“He had seemed nice on his first visit. Cranky, but nice enough. Although this time, I probably I had been testing his patience. I wonder if Sydney knows yet? I guess the police will tell her.”

Was Tom still with Sydney? I wondered what had happened between the two. Mary Jane and I sat in thought, watching the scene unfold in front of us.

After a couple minutes, Sheriff Jasper approached again.

Mary Jane whispered, “Don’t get me wrong, it’s bad that Mr. Wibble was murdered, but I got to tell you, having Tom around sure isn’t a bad thing.”

I nudged her in the side. “Mary Jane! Focus.”

“You want to tell me again exactly what happened?” Sheriff Jasper asked as he neared.

“I told you already,” I said, pushing back my tears.

“I want to hear it again. Humor me.” His crossed his arms in front of his chest.

I found an ounce of courage and said, “Um, I’m not sure how to say this. Or what to say, or think, but I recognize the murder weapon.”

Chapter Twenty

What would happen to the magic investigation now? Would they close the café without any further notice? They had to know I had nothing to do with Mr. Wibble’s death.

“How did someone get into the kitchen? Did you have the doors locked?” he asked.

“Well, no. I was inside the whole time. I did spend some time in the dining area. Someone must have slipped in the back door.”

“You should always keep that back door locked. You never know who might slip in. You’re lucky the killer didn’t come inside to find you.”

Whew. Did that mean he didn’t think I was involved? “I’ll remember that next time. Like I said, I must have been in the front dining area.”

“Did Mr. Wibble stop by to see you this evening?”

“No, this morning, but not tonight. That is terrifying to know that the killer was right here in the café with me.” I continued, “Did the person know that I was still here? And if so, why didn’t they come after me too?”

“All good questions that we intend on finding the answers for, Elly. Did you hear anything?”

I shook my head. “No, nothing, but I was a little distracted, so maybe I just tuned it out.” I prayed they didn’t ask what had me so distracted. I couldn’t tell them my current love triangle was partly to blame. That was embarrassing, but it was something I couldn’t help but think about. “Well, maybe they just had a knife exactly like mine.”

He gave me a look that said, not likely.

Why did he have to burst my crime-fighting bubble?

“Have you seen the investigator?”

I shook my head. “No. I should call her, huh?”

“I would think the police will contact her. She was staying at the same hotel as Mr. Wibble, right?”

I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “Yes, as far as I know they were. There’s only two hotels in town. It would make sense that they’d stay at the same place.”

“Maybe I should just call anyway,” I said, twisting my hands.

“But what if she doesn’t know yet? Do you really want to be the first one to break this news to her?”

I contemplated the thought. “Now that you mention it, no, I don’t think I’d enjoy that call at all.”

She frowned. “What do you think will happen with the magic now?”

I met her gaze and shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m afraid to even think of the possibilities. I never ever thought anything like this would happen in Mystic Hollow. Has there ever been a murder? I can’t remember one.”

Mary Jane paused. “I think I heard about one back in the eighties, but I don’t remember any of the details.”

I paced beside the steps, unsure of what to do with myself. “I don’t think I can handle the suspense. I think I’ll call Sydney’s number. Maybe the police have already talked to her by now? I bet Sheriff Jasper sent someone over there. Why don’t you go ask him?” I asked.

“No way. I’m not interrupting his investigation. You go ask.” She gestured with her hands.

“Hmm. All right. Never mind that. I’ve got Sydney’s number on the business card she gave me. Come with me into the kitchen while I get my purse.”

“Are you afraid to go in there alone?” Mary Jane asked when standing from the step.

“Kind of, yes.” I grabbed her hand and pulled her along behind me. “Besides, I don’t want to see the crime scene anyone. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to go out to that Dumpster again.”

“Do you think they killed him right there? Or were they trying to toss him into the trash?”

I shuddered at the thought. “I don’t think I want to know the answer to that.”

I grabbed my purse and fished out the card Sydney Whitman had given me. It reminded me of when Tom had first come to the café months ago. Little did I know what would happen to poor Mr. Wibble. With shaky hands, I pulled out my cell and pushed in her number. I used those seconds while the phone rang to try to prepare my conversation with her. Nothing came to mind though. My thoughts were completely muddled.

“She’s not answering?” Mary Jane asked.

I shook my head. “No.” I let out a deep breath, relieved and frustrated all at once.

“It’s probably for the best,” Mary Jane said. “She’ll come looking for you so enough.”

She was right. As much as I didn’t want to think about the bad that would happen to Mystic Café because of this, I knew I had to come to terms with the events. Not only had a man lost his life, but Mystic Café would probably be finished too. Poor Mr. Wibble. If only there was something I could have done. If only I would have heard something. But then again, I probably would have gotten myself killed.

“Do you think the killer is still out there somewhere?” Mary Jane asked.

“It’s a real possibility,” I said as I stared out into the dark night.

I pulled out my cell again.

“Who are you calling now?” Mary Jane asked.

“Aren’t you full of questions?” I said as I stepped a few feet away, ignoring her stare.

After several rings, he answered.  “Tom we have a huge problem.”

He sounded as if he’d just woken up. It wasn’t that late. I had Tom begged as one of those guys who stayed up until the wee hours of the morning.

“What’s wrong, Elly?” he asked with a groggy voice.

“It’s Mr. Wibble. He’s dead.” There was no easy way to say it.

A long pause traveled across the line. So long that I began to wonder if the call had been dropped.

“Are you still there,” I asked.

“Um. Yeah.” His voice was low. “I’m still here. Where are you?” he asked.

“I’m at the café. I was the one who discovered him.” I stammered.

“Oh my God, Elly. I’ll be right there.”

Why had Rory’s face flashed through my mind when Tom had said he was on his way? Maybe I should have called Rory first. I wanted to call him, but if Tom was coming, I didn’t want to knowingly put the two of them together in the same place. I hung up, but my feet were frozen and I continued to stare blankly out the window. Mary Jane had slipped back into the kitchen area, probably to check on Sheriff Jasper. When I came out of my daze, I stepped out the front door and onto the sidewalk.

After a few minutes, Mary Jane joined me in pacing the sidewalk in front of the café.

“I’m not sure if they’ll let Tom in to see us.” I said, pointing at the crime scene tape.

The words had barely left my lips when I spotted his sleek black BMW speeding down Main Street toward us. He pulled up to the curb and cut the engine. Mystic Hollow is a small town, but he’d made it to the café in record time.

With one leap of movement, Tom jumped out and said, “What the hell happened?”

“I took the trash out and there Mr. Wibble was lying there on the ground by the Dumpster.” I shook my head.  

I felt like crying on Tom’s shoulder. I’d never seen Tom look so shaken. He had always had such a cool demeanor, as if nothing ever rattled him, but now… he was in pieces and I wanted desperately to put him back together.

“Tell me what happened,” he said, focusing his dark eyes on me.

“Mr. Wibble was stabbed. Who would do such a thing?” I asked him, knowing that he wouldn’t have an answer to my question.

“I don’t know, Elly. I need to talk with the police. Is Sydney inside the café?” he asked with determination in his eyes.

I looked to Mary Jane, then back to Tom. “No. I tried to call her, but didn’t get an answer.”

Tom held up his finger and stepped away from us, pulling his cell phone from his pocket. After a couple of minutes, he moved back over to where we stood.

“”Let me walk you to your car. I’ll talk to the police. Are you going home?” he asked.

I nodded, still in a bit of a dazed confusion.

“Maybe you should stay with Mary Jane tonight? You know, so you won’t be alone.” He reached out, grabbed my arm, and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I’m so sorry you had to experience this. The Organization should have never come to Mystic Hollow.”

“I guess they were just doing their job.”

He frowned.  “Everything would have worked out. They’re always too quick to get involved. Sometimes they should just wait and let things play out on their own. Come on,” he said, guiding me down the sidewalk.

After grabbing my purse from the café step, and getting the okay from the sheriff to lock up, Tom walked us over to my car.

“I’ll be back in one second,” he said as I climbed behind the wheel.

Mary Jane and I waited while Tom spoke with Sheriff Jasper.

“Tom was right, you know. You should spend the night with me.”

I gave a bashful smile. “I think Rory was coming over to stay with me. Well, I’m sure he will once I tell him what happened.”

“You haven’t called him yet?”

I looked away, then said, “No. I called Tom first.”

I didn’t need to look at her to know she was glaring at me.

“Should we roll down the window and listen to the conversation?” she asked after my long pause of silence.

“I’m not so sure we’d be able to hear the conversation.”

She shrugged. “It’s worth a shot.”

“I guess Jasper will be a little stressed after this?” I asked. “He’s never handled a murder investigation, huh?”

“I don’t think so,” she said with shock in her voice.

“It’ll probably be strange to him that you’re hanging out with me.”

“Why would it be strange?” She frowned.

I sighed. “I don’t know. I guess I just think this whole thing is bizarre. It’s like a dream. Maybe I’ll wake up soon and everything will be back to normal. Of course I’d have to go back about six months in time for that to happen.”

“Yeah, but would you want to go back to the old normal? Your ex?”

I looked at her. “Good point. I think this is much better now that I think of it. Thanks for reminding me.”

She chuckled. “That’s what I’m here for.”

When Tom moved toward the car, Mary Jane hopped out from the car.

“I have to get back to studying.” She gestured over her shoulder as she moved away. “See you later.” She winked at Sheriff Jasper and flashed her most dazzling smile. There was definitely flirting in her expression.

“I’ll see you soon, Mary Jane,” Sheriff Jasper said, losing his professional tone.

“Thanks for coming by and checking on me. I’ll call you later.” A part of me wanted to hold onto her leg like a dog. Mary Jane disappeared around the corner and Tom’s gaze remained focused on my face. I glanced down, but couldn’t help but look back up at him.

I rolled the window down and he leaned into the car. “If you want to wait around until after I talk with the police, I can drive you home.”

My stomach danced. “I’ll be okay. Mary Jane had somewhere else to go.” Okay, that was a big fat lie. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

He nodded. “I’ll be all right. It’s just a shock.” His expression made me doubt his words. “Okay, you need your rest.”

He patted the hood of the car and I put it into gear.