Tempting the Light: Legends and Myths Police Squad (L.A.M.P.S. Book 1) (11 page)

Chapter 16

River ran through the woods and chased the nasty Gnome. Thankfully, it left some broken branches in its wake. Every once in a while he stopped and spotted a miniature shoe print in the soft dirt.

Poor Abby. Her confusion registered clearly—she’d seen the Gnome bounce off the hood of her car. She wasn’t stupid, but he refused to confirm that the Gnome is real. He wouldn’t want to compromise the L.A.M.P.S. organization. Rule number one—no one discovers the truth. His top-secret agency wasn’t even on the radar of the CIA or FBI, and he intended to keep it that way.

He tracked onward through the forest, wondering what Ottar had found.

Good thing Abby hadn’t pushed the question about him seeing anything. The Gnome bastard hadn’t broken her windshield, and despite the collision, her car seemed drivable. Shaken, but not injured he was sure she’d make it home all right. He’d stop by Pepper’s later tonight to check on her.

He pulled his hat up from his forehead and then pulled it back down. The prints stopped right before him. Silence filled the woods. No noise. No chirping. No leaves rustling. Nadda. Ziltch. Prickly bumps on his arms popped up and a shiver raced across his skin.

He looked up. The Gnome hung from a branch, swinging back and forth above him.
Shit!

Before he could brace for impact, it vaulted down onto his back. River dropped, attempting to knock the Gnome off, and rolled back and forth. The hooked nail pierced the skin on his neck, barely missing his jugular vein. Slick, wet sticky blood dripped down his arm.
Damn it hurt.

He scrambled to his feet with the Gnome still attached and slammed his back into a tree, attempting to bash the creature’s head. The Gnome dug into River’s flesh with his heels like he was riding a bucking bronco.

“Get off, you bastard!” He pulled on one small foot jabbing into his ribs. His arm went numb.
What the hell?

“He! He! He!” The Gnome giggled. The hideous voice shrieked triumph—the creature enjoyed the battle.

River whacked the Gnome against the tree again, but nothing dislodged the miniature beast. His right arm now useless, he unsheathed his knife with his left hand and reached around to stab the pest, but missed.

A branch cracked in the distance.

They both froze for an instant, then the Gnome jumped off and scurried away into the underbrush. River sucked in a deep breath and looked around.

“Hey,” Ottar called, from a few yards away. “Was that the Gnome? Shit! I wish you called me on the mobile.”

River reached up to touch his neck, and pulled away blood-covered fingers. Yep, he would need stitches after this encounter.

“You almost caught the bugger. That stubby bastard moved like a rat in a drainpipe.” Ottar pulled out his first aid kit and opened a paper package containing gauze. He folded the pad in half and handed it to him. “Guess we got our confirmation, right?”

“He almost killed me. The nasty shit dropped out of a tree and attacked me from behind. I think his claws have some kind of poison in them. I can’t feel my arm.” He pulled the bloody gauze away, and winced.

Ottar handed him another pad. “You’re distracted, mate, and you’re gonna get yourself killed. The River I know would never let a creature sneak up on him. What the hell? Let me check your arm.” He raised River’s arm and let it fall.

“I followed the footprints and they stopped right here.” He pointed down at the ground. “How was I supposed to know Gnomes like to hang from trees?”

“You weren’t. That’s why we’re supposed to be on high alert.” Ottar poured some canteen water on River’s neck. The simple trickle of moisture made the wound burn like liquid hell. “Oww! Do you mind!”

Ottar grumbled something about pussies and applied the kit’s butterfly bandages to close his neck wound. The feeling started to come back in his hand.

He recounted more of the Gnome’s earlier attack. “He bounced off Abby’s car like a basketball.”

“Wait. Abby was here?” Ottar went rigid and his gaze targeted River’s. “She saw the Gnome?”

“I was chasing him and the bastard ran into the street. Don’t worry. Abby was so rattled she has no idea what she saw.”

Ottar stuck a beefy finger in his face. “You’re letting your feelings for her interfere with catching this thing. What if he rammed that hook claw in your skull and sucked your brains out?” Ottar shook his head then scratched the back of it. “That’s it! I’m gonna pull you off this case.”

River returned the stare and squared his shoulders. “What? Why would you do that? I’m the only one that has come close to catching the damn thing.”

“Are you forgetting that damn Gnome is a man-eater? This town’s not safe with it running around!” Ottar stuffed the first aid box in his backpack. “Crikey! You’re out here playing kissy face with that woman who may be involved.” He puckered his lips and kissed the air in a fine carp imitation.

River shook his head. He couldn’t believe he was having this conversation.

“For all you know she brought over the Gnome from England.”

“I highly doubt that ridiculous theory.”

Ottar’s eyebrows shot upward. “Oh, so you think there’s a remote possibility?”

“Deserted island remote. I have to get back and let Hercules out. Come on.” He waved the signal for Ottar to follow.

It didn’t take long to get back to River’s house. By the time he arrived home, the effects of the poison wore off. The Gnome’s claw must inject poison and temporarily paralyze their prey. He’d have to add that information to the L.A.M.P.S. archive.

Hercules bounded through the kitchen and almost knocked River over with his signature hello greeting. He hugged the big lug. It was nice to be loved unconditionally.

“I’m going to check the cameras.” Ottar sat down in front of two laptops he’d set up earlier on folding tables in the living room.

River walked by the computers. “Anything going on?” Guilt crept into his conscience for spying on the ladies. He didn’t think Abby and Pepper would have anything to do with bringing a ferocious beast over from England for treasure hunting. They didn’t seem to be the materialistic type.

“Just a campfire in the yard. Wait a minute. Here they come out of the house. They have their hands full of . . . I can’t tell from this angle.” He leaned in closer to study the screen with his big brown eyes.

River sat down next to Ottar.

“Well, hello, Miss Hotty.” Ottar nudged him with his fist. “You didn’t tell me the dinosaur wacko was so good looking.”

It was true. Mainly because Abby was the one River was attracted to. He never gave Pepper a second look. Abby looked great tonight, too. He swallowed hard and admired her toned legs in her white short-shorts. “Looks like she’s carrying a book and Pepper has a pot. Maybe they’re going to cook something over the fire.”

Ottar’s eyes instantly blazed to life. “I don’t think so. Your little angel just pulled out a dark candle. They’re witches. They’re going to cast a spell. See that?” Ottar pointed to the screen. “That’s a big container of salt. Oh whopper! We need to get over there and put a stop to this. Who knows what they’re going to conjure up next?”

River couldn’t believe his eyes. Ottar spoke the truth. The girls were practicing witchcraft, but they didn’t look very experienced. They kept looking down and pointing at the book, then talking to each other for what looked like confirmation. “Okay, Ottar. You’re right. We need to get over there but only to watch from a distance. I’m not going in with guns blazing.”

“I’m right behind you. We can hide behind the bushes. They won’t even know we’re there.”

Chapter 17

A flashlight splashed soft golden light over the pages of the black leather-bound spell book propped on Abby’s lap. She read over the spell one last time by the lamplight in the dark in front of the crackling campfire. “According to the book, we have all the ingredients the spell requires.”

Pepper hung the pot of water over the fire. “Maybe they have one in there for bouncing Gnomes too. You should look, Abby-cadabra.”

“That Gnome sure did a number on my car. Thankfully I can still drive it. The bad part of the whole thing is River was chasing it. That means he knows Mr. Livingston wasn’t crazy when he saw the Jersey Devil.”

“Well, hopefully this spell will take care of that.” Pepper wiped her hands with a brushing clapping motion.

“What if this doesn’t work? River and Ottar looked like they packed enough of an arsenal to start a war. What if they catch me or kill me?” A numbness crept into her chest and she couldn’t feel herself breathing.

“This will work or we’ll think of something else, sweetie.” Pepper put her hands on her hips. Her blue eyes carried pity.

Abby hated that Pepper felt sorry for her. She hated that her bad luck was affecting her best friend. Not directly, sure, but she was dragging Pepper down with her. She made up her mind. If this didn’t work, she’d leave so Pepper could live a normal happy life.

Abby set the book aside, stood, and pulled out the box of salt. She slowly opened the container and let the salt fall behind her while walking around the bonfire to create a circle. She placed the candle in the pot of water over the fire. Then she poked at the ashes and spread them out so the fire wouldn’t get too hot.

Pepper bounced on the edge of the folding chair. “What does it say next?”

“I have to light the candle and say the spell. Then we dance around the salt circle. Hey, wait a minute.”

“What?”

“It says in order to please the Goddess we should dance naked to truly be cleansed.” She locked stares with Pepper, who grinned, an idea forming behind her sparkling blue eyes.

“Okay. No one can see us out here. I’m going to run inside and get my iPod dock.” Pepper took off running toward the back door of the house.

Something rustled in the distance. Abby snapped her head in the direction of the noise. She waited in silence, listening. Nothing moved. The forest was dark and quiet now. It was probably one of the dogs. She pulled out her lip balm and swiped it across her lips.
I sure hope this spell works.

Pepper raced back out of the house with her equipment. “Lady Gaga will be perfect for this.” She placed the dock on the picnic table close by. “The beat is awesome. Should we strip down now?”

“It doesn’t say we have to be naked when we say the spell. How about we wait?”

Pepper shrugged. “Sounds good to me.”

“I’m going to start. You have to be serious now.”

Pepper’s lips clamped together and puff noises came out as if she tried to hold in her laugh. “I’m serious,” she finally said.

Abby stepped over the salt circle, careful not to break it. “If truly cursed I am, let it break with the quench of the flame.” She lit the black candle. “So moot it.”

She released a breath when Pepper hit the play button and stripped off her clothes. Maybe dancing in their underwear would be enough? No, she needed this to work, she wouldn’t take any chances. She pulled her shirt over her head, shimmied her shorts off, and next the bra and her lacy light pink underwear. She joined Pepper’s dance, snapping her hips and swinging her arms to Lady Gaga’s melodious voice. The beat consumed her, and Abby lost herself in the music. It felt as if a huge weight lifted from her stressed soul.

Exhilaration coupled with naked freedom pumped through her body. A perfect out-door temperature accompanied their new ritual. She welcomed the light breeze that brushed her nude skin. She waved her arms around and wiggled her hips to the drum beat rhythm.

Pepper bopped up and down with a grin that could light up the darkest of nights. She laughed, grabbed Abby’s hands, and twirled them around in a circle until she was dizzy. They staggered around as if they were drunk until her dizziness wore off, and then they danced some more.

Abby couldn’t remember the last time she’d danced so much. Her legs felt heavy, and a wave of fatigue over took her body. Thank goodness she’d let the lady in the store talk her out of the big thick candle or this spell could have lasted all night. It was bad enough they danced for over an hour. Pepper’s moves slowed too, not nearly as fast now, nor as precise.

She glanced over to the candle in the pot, careful not to break the circle with her steps. Apparently, breaking the circle was a big no-no. The flame had burned down close to the water. “It shouldn’t be much longer now.”

“Oh good, I need a drink. We forgot to bring beer or even water. I’m parched, Abby Boo.”

BANG
.

The candle exploded and the pot shot up into the sky.

Abby froze.

She snapped her eyes to Pepper. “I wonder if that’s a good sign or bad sign?”

“Beats me. Oh my God. Run!”

Abby looked over her shoulder.

A mass of gray hairy possums charged out of the tall grassy field and headed straight for them. Abby sprinted after Pepper toward the house, bounded up the stairs and inside the door. Pepper turned the bolt lock on the door, shutting out the frenzy of the mad possum brigade.

“Was that supposed to happen?” Pepper asked, heaving in heavy breaths.

“I doubt it. Everything was going perfect until the candle blew up. The book said the flame would go out when it hit the water. There was nothing in there saying it would explode.”

“Maybe you bought a faulty candle?”

“I’ll call the magic shop tomorrow morning. Why do you think those possums came at us? Do you think they were rabid? Did you see their eyes? They glowed red.”

“They were probably scared to death, but no, I’ve never seen so many in one place before. I think that red glow was a reflection from the fire. I’m glad I locked up the dogs in the barn or there would be a whole lot more crazy going on out there. They’re probably gone by now.” Pepper looked out the window. “Oh boy.”

She ran to the window but Pepper blocked her view. “What do you see?”

Pepper grabbed her shoulders. “The sheriff and his friend are walking up the driveway. Hurry, we’ve got to get dressed.”

River walked over to the area where the girls had cast their spell. The possums disappeared shortly after scampering through the site. He pressed the button on the iPod dock to silence the music. His brain could only take so much of the pounding beat.

Seeing Abby happy, and dancing around in the nude was a memory he would cherish the rest of his life. The way the firelight had glowed against her silky skin. The erotic sight of her small firm breasts bobbling back and forth when she swayed her hips—man, he’d never forget that sight. He hated that Ottar saw Abby naked, but as far as he could tell Ottar’s attention focused solely on Pepper.

“I wish I’d heard what spell they were trying to cast.” He took out his flashlight and pointed the beam at the spell book. “The page is open to a banishing spell.”

“Do you think they were trying to banish the Gnome?” Ottar pointed at the campfire and salt ring.

“It’s possible. Abby seemed pretty shaken up by it.” He scanned the area with his flashlight noticing a reflection bouncing off a shiny object. River walked over and picked up the pot. The inside was coated with black wax. “I wonder why the candle exploded?”

“Those two girls are trouble. What if they made that candle explode?”

River strode back over to the book and read through the spell. “There’s nothing in here about the candle blowing up. It says the flame was supposed to die in the water.”

“Did you see those possums go off like a bucket of prawns in the sun? That was freaky, ey. Red-eyed buggers storming the scene. I never saw anything like that, mate.” Ottar looked down and shook his head.

“It’s simple. The explosion noise startled the possums and flushed them out of the tall grass.”

Footsteps sounded off down the steps of Pepper’s house and River looked up. Abby and Pepper waited on the bottom step, fully clothed now, much to his chagrin, and watched them with their hands planted firmly on their hips. From the expressions on their faces they weren’t happy to see them.

“River? What are you doing here?” Abby’s lips tightened along with her expression.

He tried to cover their spying. “I came to check on you. I was worried about you after the accident.”

“Where’s your car?” She looked down the long driveway, extending her neck to emphasize her point.

Shoot. He’d been in such a hurry to investigate the spell scene he forgot they parked the car down the street. “Well, it was such a beautiful night we decided to walk over.”

Abby tilted her head and stared at him. Disbelief was plastered all over her pretty face. “Uh huh. Well, I’m okay. Pepper checked me over and I’ll take my car in tomorrow to have it looked at. Thanks for coming over. I’m tired and going to bed.” She turned and stalked toward the door.

Pepper crossed her arms and stayed planted on the steps. She thrust an index finger out at Ottar. “Is he the asshole that shot my dinosaur?”

Oh boy. Here it comes. “Pepper meet Ottar. Yes, he’s the shooter. And he’s here to apologize. Right, Ottar?”

If Ottar’s eyes could have shot silver bullets into River’s chest, he’d be flat on his back right now. The big Aussie nodded at Pepper, then fidgeted around like a guilty child, wringing his hands. His eyes met her cool, steely blue gaze, then he lifted two palms as if in surrender to Pepper’s anger. “Um yeah. I’m here to say I’m really sorry for shooting your lawn statue. Although, only a yabbo would keep a . . .”

“See,” River interrupted, elbowing Ottar’s side to stop him from making this situation any worse. “He’s going to fix it next week, but needs to order some supplies first.”

“Jerk.” Pepper shot out at Ottar.

Ottar remained quiet. River looked on in horror as the big Aussie wore a silly, stupid smile for some odd reason.

Abby stormed back out the door, her teeth bared. “Were you guys spying on us? How come you painted camouflage on your faces?”

Shit.

He looked at Ottar wishing he could come up with an excuse, but when Ottar said nothing, he explained, “We wanted to blend with the woods when we went for our walk. You never know what you can stumble on if no one knows you’re there.” Abby wouldn’t buy it, but was worth a try.

Her hands went to her narrow hips while her amber brows ruffled. She wasn’t believing his story. He had to think of something quick. “It looks like you two were up to no good.” He picked up the spell book. “Practicing witchcraft?”

Pepper darted forward and grabbed the book out of his hands. “Give me that. Last time I heard witchcraft isn’t against the law.”

He lowered his brows. “You’re right. It isn’t, unless you’re sacrificing an animal or human. You’re not doing any sacrificing, are you?”

Both girls reared back as if he just shot flaming arrows at them.

“Have you lost your mind?” Pepper asked.

“No, of course not. You know better than that.” Abby’s face revealed a look of disgust.

“You girls need to be careful. Playing with magic has consequences.” He didn’t want to get into some lame lecture, but clearly these women didn’t have a clue on spell casting. “You best beware playing with things you don’t understand.”

“We will.” Pepper chimed in. “Just having some fun on such a beautiful evening.”

He couldn’t help but notice how quiet Ottar was.
Something is wrong here. Very, very wrong.

“Well, we’ve got law enforcement issues to deal with. We’ll leave you girls alone, but no more magic.”

Both girls nodded and headed back to their house.

He turned his aggravation on Ottar. “What the heck is going on with you?”

Ottar lowered his head. “That Pepper . . . I think she’s bewitched me.”

“What are you talking about?”

“She must have placed a spell on me. Do you believe in love at first sight?”

“Oh, hell no!” Where was he going with this? All he’d heard from Ottar since he’d arrived in Jersey was how he’d been preoccupied on the L.A.M.P.S. investigation because of his obvious distraction with Abby. He looked over at his supervisor and saw the worst thing ever behind his eyes. Ottar had been entranced by Pepper. River wiped his hand across his face, and grinned. Pepper just might give the egotistical lug a chase Ottar would never forget.