No Bad Deed Goes Unpunished: Diva Delaney Mysteries, #7

By Anni Jayde

Now that Diva Delaney knows the sinister truth about how her parents died, she has a plan to get to the bottom of exactly what happened. The only catch is that she'll have to rely on Haydn to help her. The ancient curse that affects both of their families means it would be a bad idea to be close to him, yet she can't rest until she has the facts.

Diva's friend, Tyrone Ferrell, needs her help to find a missing person. She'll have to find the time to assist the sheriff from Lakeview to catch a very disturbed man even with her increasingly busy work schedule. Even though she barely knows how to use magic, she will discover talents that aren't in any spell books that will be invaluable to help her find the missing person.

The Pentland Coven are holding a ball to find one of their young warlocks a wife. They've invited the most prestigious families with eligible young witches, including the Delaney Coven. Rumor has it that Liam has apparently already chosen his bride-to-be. Diva is quietly terrified that she's the one he's chosen when she hears the details of how he met the witch. If her hunch is correct, it could start more than one feud when the truth comes out.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Seize The Night Agency
• Release date: Nov 16, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393337652

Book preview

Chapter One

WAKING UP FEELING GROGGY and out of sorts, I had no idea where I was at first. The smell of singed skin made my nose scrunch in protest. Opening my eyes, I saw I was in my bedroom. My mattress was far softer than usual, which was why I’d been momentarily confused. The smell of fresh paint was a reminder that my cottage had been refurbished without my knowledge or permission.

Throwing back the bedcovers, I caught sight of the blue diamond ring on my right hand and the memories came flooding back. I’d witnessed my parents’ murder through the piece of jewelry that Haydn Creighton had left on my nightstand. My rage had been so extreme that power had become uncontrollable and the ring had zapped me unconscious. I had a slight burn on my finger beneath the white gold band as a result.

Jess stuck her head through my door to check on me and relief flowed over her. Thank God you’re finally awake. I was starting to get really worried.

Checking my watch, I saw it was after ten. I almost panicked that I was late for work, then remembered it was Sunday.

How are you feeling? my bestie asked.

Her sympathetic tone almost made me burst into tears, but I determinedly held them in. I feel like I got zapped by the world’s strongest taser, I replied as I stood. My head spun and I sank back down onto my bed again. The stone in the cabochon ring I was being forced to wear was black, like the soul of every member of the Creighton Coven. Just thinking about my enemies was enough to make my anger rise again.

Aren’t you up yet? Reginald asked as he zoomed into the room. Planting his hands on his slim hips, he eyed me up and down. You look like something the cat dragged in. Not Satan, though. He would have left you a clawed up, bleeding carcass.

Jess tried to stay somber as the other two members of the terrible trio arrived, but she couldn’t hold in her snickers. I was still too upset from the revelation I’d received last night to find any humor this morning.

What happened to your hair? Maryanne asked in horror.

You look like you stuck your finger in a light socket, Fran added.

Giving them all a withering glare, I stood up again and tottered into the bathroom to take a look at myself in the mirror. They weren’t lying. My hair stood on end and looked like it had been teased within an inch of its life. Can I have some privacy? I complained when none of the specters made a move to leave the room.

Only if you tell us what’s going on, Reggie said as his fingers toyed with the chunky gold peace medallion that nestled in the opening of his purple paisley print shirt.

I’ll tell you after I’ve had some coffee, I promised. I needed some time to come to terms with what I’d seen in my vision. I flicked a look at Jess and she nodded in understanding. She was far better at keeping secrets than her ghostly friends were. They wouldn’t be able to pry the information out of her while I was taking a shower.

My newly updated cottage did nothing to calm my rage. Not even the brand new shower that had enough room to actually turn around in without hitting my elbows on the walls helped. I took the time to blow dry my hair when I was done, stalling for just a bit longer. Pulling on a comfortable sweat suit when I was done, I couldn’t put it off any longer and headed to the kitchen.

Almost everything about my cottage had been changed, including the appliances. I switched the coffee machine on and the heavenly scent of expensive beans soon began to spread throughout the tiny building. Fran and her cohorts were waiting impatiently in the living room that doubled as my dining room. The two blue velvet armchairs were all that remained of my old things after the makeover my home had received.

When my coffee was ready, I carried the mug over to the new glass-topped coffee table and took a seat. Jess sat in the other chair across from me. From the way her arms were stubbornly crossed over her hot pink t-shirt clad chest, the others had tried to grill her about why I looked so disheveled.

Alright, chicky. Spill it! Maryanne demanded. Her hands adjusted her saggy boobs in her white low-cut Marilyn Monroe style dress. As always, her platinum blonde wig sat slightly askew and her bright red lipstick was uneven. A woman of her age shouldn’t have been wearing an outfit that was intended for someone much younger and sexier. None of us were brave enough to ask her why she was dressed that way.

Fran’s beady eyes zeroed in on my new piece of jewelry when I lifted my mug to stall for a bit longer. I know that ring, the overweight phantom said. She drifted closer and bent to examine it. Didn’t that belong to your mother?

I grimaced when they all swooped in for a closer look. It used to have a ruby in it, Reginald said. Is that the topaz Xander Xenedy gave you?

When did you get it cut and set into the ring? Maryanne asked.

I didn’t, I replied, then took a gulp of coffee to fortify myself. Haydn broke into the mansion, stole the ring, had the gemstone cut to fit it and left it for me on my nightstand.

By the way, it isn’t a topaz, Jess added. It’s a blue diamond.

Fran sucked in a shocked breath, which was completely unnecessary since she was dead. Her surprise was so extreme that the blue bow with white polka dots in her hair almost looked like it was going to move for a moment. It must be worth a fortune, she said in awe.

Does Lilla know a Creighton broke into her house? Maryanne asked. Her expression was gleeful rather than worried. The fallout would be memorable if I told my grandmother about Haydn’s intrusion.

I only found the ring last night, I told her wearily. I was knocked unconscious after I put it on and only woke up a short time ago.

Exchanging looks, it finally sank into them that something bad had happened. Why don’t you tell us what happened, sweetie? Reginald said in a sympathetic tone.

Downing the rest of my coffee, I plonked the mug down, then described the vision I’d had of the spell that had killed my parents that had been cast by one of the Creighton warlocks.

When I was done, the Three Stooges were uncharacteristically silent. Excuse us, dear, Fran said in a disturbingly restrained tone that I’d never heard from her before. There’s something we need to do. She gave her friends a significant look, but motioned for Jess to stay behind when my bestie rose from her chair to join them.

This won’t take long, Maryanne added. Her eyes had turned stony and her voice was hard. They drifted through the wall and out of sight.

What was that about? I asked in a dour tone. I’d thought they would have given me some sort of comfort after learning I’d watched my parents being murdered. I hadn’t expected them to leave so abruptly.

I don’t know, Jess replied as she settled back onto her chair and gazed at the wall they’d swept through. I guess we’ll find out when they return.

Feeling unsettled without really knowing why, I carried my empty mug to the kitchen for a refill. As much as I hated Haydn for putting me through so much torment, I had to admit that his taste in coffee was excellent.

I sank back down onto my armchair and my gaze went to the ring on my left hand that had become an unwanted accessory. My grandmother had shoved it onto my ring finger by accident and it was like a mockery of an engagement ring. The gemstone was still black to suit my mood. The enchantment to block my power was so strong that I could barely feel my magic at all. I had a feeling it would remain like this until I finally managed to calm down again. From the way my stomach was churning, that could take a while.

Chapter Two

I’D JUST FINISHED MY second mug of coffee when Eve and Courtney burst into my cottage. Their eyes were wide with a mixture of fear and amusement. It was a strange combination and I instantly knew something was horribly wrong. What’s going on? I asked as they rushed towards me.

Grandma just got a call from Georgina Creighton, Eve said as she pulled me to my feet.

You’re in so much trouble, cousin, Courtney added, then snickered.

I didn’t do anything! I protested as they dragged out through the door.

Try telling that to the Creighton Coven, Eve said in an enigmatic tone. Jess zoomed after us as I was unceremoniously escorted to the mansion.

Bryce was absent for the first time in my entire twenty-four years when we entered the house. Grandma and my two aunts were waiting for us in the parlor. Dread seized hold of me at their stern expressions. You’ve outdone yourself this time, foolish girl, Grandma said darkly.

I didn’t do anything! I said in panic, looking around for a reason for this ambush and not seeing one.

Exchanging glances, the oldies almost looked like they were going to break into smiles, but composed themselves. Are you ready? Grandma asked them.

We’re ready, Aunt Isabel replied. They linked hands, drawing Eve, Courtney and me into the group. They teleported us and white light flashed before my eyes. Blinking away the brightness, I saw we were in the main room of the Town Hall and we weren’t alone.

The entire Creighton Coven were present and every single one of them was covered in ectoplasm. My mouth dropped open to see Haydn dripping with the noisome gray goo. My hand lifted of its own volition to point at his stern face and I started laughing.

Georgina stomped forward, leaving splatters of sludge with each step, which made me laugh even harder. Eve and Courtney had to bite their lips to stop themselves from descending into helpless giggles as well. Are you responsible for our coven being attacked by ghosts? the crone demanded.

No, I replied honestly, managing to get myself under control so I could speak. Seeing a flock of new arrivals beginning to drift inside, my brow furrowed. Fran led the charge and was followed by nearly every specter that haunted our town. But I think I know who is, I added as the Three Stooges came to a stop beside me. Did you guys do this to them? I asked, sweeping a hand at the dripping, dour conjurers.

Yep, and we’ll gladly do it again, Maryanne declared. All of the spirits were slightly see-through from turning poltergeist. Doing so sapped their power. They’d need to rest to regather their strength again.

Are you saying you didn’t order your spectral minions to fill our house with ectoplasm? Wesley Creighton asked with a sneer.

No. They attacked your house on their own.

What exactly did we do to deserve this, pray tell? Nicholas queried. He looked so much like his brother and nephew that it was uncanny.

My amusement vanished at the reminder of why the ghosts had taken it upon themselves to ruin their house. I held up the ring that Haydn had restored for me. It was because of this, I told him.

Where did you get that from? Grandma asked, narrowing her eyes.

I took the liberty of having the ring restored for your granddaughter, Mrs. Delaney, Haydn said smoothly. With a wave of his hand, he cleaned the ectoplasm from his body and clothes. His usually impeccable black hair was rumpled and his navy suit and white shirt were wrinkled, but at least they were now clean. Gray blotches stained the fabric and would be impossible to remove. The rest of his coven followed suit with disgruntled looks at me. One must admit that one didn’t anticipate this reaction to the gift, he added silkily with a disapproving frown at me.

Give it up, Haydn, I said wearily. You can stop pretending to be nice now that I know the truth.

What truth is that, young miss? Wesley asked snottily.

That one of you murdered my parents, I said baldly. The ghosts began to gather shadows in preparation of turning poltergeist again.

I beg your pardon? Georgina said, but her azure eyes shifted uneasily.

Grandma saw it and pointed at her nemesis. What is my granddaughter talking about, Creighton? she demanded.

I don’t know what you think you know, but I can assure you that you’re wrong, Nicholas said in an effort to diffuse the situation.

The door banged open and Richard Privet, Nina Rivers and Roger Mayhew hurried inside. A few other witches and warlocks followed in their wake. I assumed they were all from our local magical council. What exactly is going on here? Mr. Privet asked sternly. In his early sixties, he had dark skin, was handsome and wore a pricy silver suit. His coven owned the only bank in town and they were filthy rich.

Ms. Delaney has accused one of us of murdering her parents, Wesley said icily. The young witch is clearly deluded. Haydn shifted and looked away when I glanced at him. He fiddled with his cuffs and avoided my eyes.

I saw it, I snapped and shoved my mother’s ring at his face. Wesley flinched back as if he was afraid it would take his eye out. I had a vision of the accident that killed them, except it wasn’t an accident at all. One of the Creighton warlocks used magic to kill my Mom and Dad and they almost killed me, too.

Let’s get ‘em! a familiar malicious voice said, then a very naked Gary the Pervert pushed his way through the crowd of spirits. Permanently erect wang waving to the world, he turned poltergeist and zoomed at the Creighton Coven. The rest of the ghosts followed suit even though they were already slightly weak after already punishing the family.

I bolted for safety and my family were smart enough to follow me. Aunt Isabel and Aunt Janet grabbed hold of their mother. They picked her up and rushed her to the far end of the hall. We gathered in a cluster as the phantoms wreaked havoc on our enemies. I started laughing first, but the others were soon letting out snorts and giggles of their own.

Nina hurried over to me with a worried look as the witches and warlocks screeched in disgust as they were pummeled with fresh ectoplasm. Haydn took it stoically, cobalt eyes locked on me and wearing a disapproving expression. You could get into real trouble this time, Diva, the baker said. Using ghosts to attack your enemies is against the rules.

Roger Mayhew and Richard Privet were right behind her and overheard her. The lawyer in Roger came to the surface. Did you direct the phantoms to attack the Creighton Coven? he asked. In his late forties, he was mildly handsome with graying brown hair. He looked normal on the surface, but he was fond of being whipped by women wearing black leather.

No, I replied. They’re doing this of their own free will.

Or free willy in Gary the Pervert’s case, Jess said with a grin. I doubled over, slapping my thigh in hilarity.

Enough! Georgina shouted loudly enough to make even the poltergeists pause. Her face, hair and black dress were covered in blobs of gray goo again. Cease this barrage immediately, or I’ll banish every ghost from this town!

She can’t do that! Jess said in sudden fear of being evicted from her home.

The poltergeists gathered around the tiny matriarch. Menace gathered and now I was the one who was afraid. They’d just been playing with my enemies, but things were about to turn deadly.

She can’t banish us if she’s dead, Gary the Pervert said, tone even more malicious than usual. He wasn’t someone I would class as my friend. He’d only joined the mob so he could cause mischief.

We should do the world a favor and kill all of the Creightons, another spirit said. Murmurs of agreement sounded.

You have to stop them! Jess said to me.

The terror in her eyes was enough to spur me into action. My rage at seeing my parents die made it hard for me to care about what happened to my foes, but they didn’t all deserve to die for the crimes of one man. I hurried over to stand in front of Georgina, protecting her from the murderous group. I know most of you attacked the Creightons because you’re my friends, I said. But killing them won’t bring my parents back. It will just make things worse for me and my family.

So? Gary the Pervert asked. Let’s kill them anyway!

Fran, Reginald and Maryanne shifted to block him before he could turn solid enough to