Diva Delaney Mysteries: Bundle 2: Books 4 - 6: Diva Delaney Mysteries

By Anni Jayde

This bundle contains books 4 - 6 of the Diva Delaney Mysteries.

Revenge Is Sweet, But Kind Of Sticky:

Diva Delaney has had a rough time lately, but things are about to get much worse. Her good friend, Nina Rivers, has a hunch that the psychic medium is in danger. While the witch only has moderate power, everyone in the magical community knows that her instincts are never wrong.

Although she is aware that someone means her harm, Diva can't allow herself to hide away. She has a job to do, even if the work comes in the form of hunting for a missing cat. Thanks to Satan's unpredictable attacks, she doesn't particularly trust felines anymore. This isn't the most glamorous case that she's ever accepted, but she needs to pay her bills.

It isn't easy to narrow down where the mysterious danger will be coming from. Another case comes up that will put her in jeopardy as she follows the trail of a thief. Then there's Gillian Farque, Haydn Creighton's fiancé. The witch is the jealous type and she has her sights set on Diva. Conjurers aren't allowed to cast magic on normals, but their feud is starting to spiral out of control. The only solution is for Diva to stay away from Haydn, which will be easier said than done since she still owes him so many favors.

Karma Is In Dire Need Of Being Spanked:

Diva Delaney is in no mood to deal with men after what happened between her and the sheriff. With her curse now finally lifted, she should be free to date, but of course nothing is that easy for her. She is beginning to doubt that she'll ever find a good man to settle down with.

Her next cases will involve stealth, cunning and bravery, three things which the psychic medium lacks completely. Diva will have to force herself to step out of her comfort zone in order to help her clients. Both of her cases will take her out of town, so she won't have her ghostly sidekicks to assist her in their usual wacky manner. Frankly, that might not be such a bad thing.

With the return of Wade and Wyatt Westmore, things are going to become interesting in Hollowood Grove, especially for her cousin, Courtney. Meanwhile, Diva's main nemesis is driving her to the edge. The wickedly handsome warlock knows how to push her buttons and is an expert at manipulating her into owing him yet more favors. This time, Haydn Creighton might find he's the one who will need to be rescued from danger.

Appearances Can Be Annoyingly Deceiving:

Diva Delaney and her grandmother are summoned to the Council of Conjurers headquarters in Boston. This isn't an invitation that can be denied no matter how much Diva wants to avoid it. Being tested by the councilmembers will drive her to the breaking point, but she won't be alone during her torment. She will make new friends and allies who will come to her defense.

Even in Boston, Diva can't escape from Haydn Creighton. The warlock seems to be there every time she turns around, taunting her with his wickedly handsome looks and annoyingly smooth charm. Her insidious attraction to him seems to be growing by the day and there's nothing she can do to stop it.

Being a normal living among a family of witches had been hard enough, yet things are even more difficult now that Diva has become a conjurer herself. Her life is becoming increasingly complicated in fact. It's about to get even worse when she learns the truth about what caused the feud between the Delaney and Creighton Covens.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Seize The Night Agency
• Release date: Nov 16, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393969372

Book preview

Diva Delaney Mysteries

Bundle 2

Books 4 – 6

Anni Jayde

Copyright © 2019 ANNI JAYDE

All rights reserved. Published by Seize The Night Agency.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, storage in an information retrieval system, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, incidents and dialogues are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Table of Contents

Book Four: Revenge Is Sweet, But Kind Of Sticky

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Book Five: Karma Is In Dire Need Of Being Spanked

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Book Six: Appearances Can Be Annoyingly Deceiving

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Titles by Anni Jayde in chronological order:

Book Four: Revenge Is Sweet, But Kind Of Sticky

Chapter One

WINCING AT THE SHRILL tone of my panicked potential new client, I held my cell phone away from my ear until she finally took a breath. Try not to worry, Mrs. Nadeau, I said as patiently as possible while rolling my eyes at her dire emergency. I’ll be at your house in half an hour. I’m sure we’ll be able to find your missing cat before anything bad happens to her.

Staring through my window at the bustle going on outside, Jess waited for me to hang up before she turned around and spoke. Your business has really picked up since you and your Aunt Isabel helped solve that murder case a week ago.

People aren’t as ashamed to call on me for help now, I agreed. In the past, barely anyone from Hollowood Grove had used my services. Most of my jobs had come from the surrounding towns. Now I had both normals and magic users calling me to help them with all kinds of weird things. That was okay with me, since weird was right up my alley. Searching for a missing cat, however, was something new. Thanks to Satan’s unpredictable attacks, I was wary of felines.

Heads up, Jess warned me as she looked out the window again. The Sheriff is coming this way. He looks kind of intense.

Drew had been avoiding everyone in my family since the love potion Courtney had given him had finally worn off. He refused to believe that magic was real, but he knew something strange had happened to him. I suppressed a chuckle at the memory of him standing in the rain holding a gigantic old boombox over his head and bellowing at my cousin to marry him. We were never going to let her forget this. It would live on in the Delaney legends as one of the dumbest things a witch had ever done.

My amusement died when Drew pushed my door open and his hazel eyes locked on me. He entered, closed the door, then crossed to my newly refurbished chairs and sat down. Who’s been murdered this time? I asked dryly.

How did you know I was here about another murder? he asked suspiciously.

You’ve got to be kidding, Jess groaned, not that he could see or hear her.

I was joking, I replied to his question, suddenly feeling queasy. Has someone else been murdered?

Unfortunately, yes, he said and rubbed his face with one hand. Average in height, he had wide shoulders and a delectably muscly body. He looked good in his tan and brown uniform. We’d dated for a very short time a couple of years ago and he’d been punished by the curse when he’d kissed me. He still had the scar on his temple where he’d received stitches for his infraction.

Fran, Maryanne and Reginald swept through the wall and into the room. We have news! the leader of the Three Stooges said, then did a double-take when she saw Drew. Oh, he’s already here. Damn it! I hate it when the gossip travels faster than we do.

Who died this time? I asked, flicking a look at the phantoms. They were busting to blab the news, but they also wanted to hear what the sheriff had to say.

I think it’s the author who was stalking you a week ago, Drew replied.

I didn’t kill him, I said automatically and he frowned that I thought I could be a suspect again. What do you mean ‘you think’ it’s him? I asked. You don’t know for sure?

The corpse was left exposed to the elements in the woods just outside of town, he said. The body isn’t in great shape, but the clothing matches what Mr. Kline was wearing when he was last seen in town. I found his white sedan dumped on a dirt road deeper in the woods. The two front tires were flat, which was strange.

Do you know how he died? I asked while fighting the urge to either pass out or vomit. Aunt Isabel had blown out the author’s tires with a spell when he’d tried to follow us to Verity Falls on our rescue mission to save a reporter from being murdered. It seemed he’d never made it back to town after that.

He was shot in the head execution style, he told me. An autopsy will need to be performed to determine whether there were any extenuating circumstances.

We all know Diva wasn’t the shooter, Maryanne said in her six pack a day smoker voice. She missed that witch she shot at when she was standing only four feet away from her. The terrible trio cracked up, but Jess was too worried to join them this time. She drifted over to stand next to my desk.

How long has he been dead? I forced myself to ask.

It’s hard to say, but probably about a week.

That confirmed my suspicions that he’d been killed the night he’d tried to follow my aunt and me. Why are you telling me this? Maybe he really did believe I was a suspect and was lulling me into a false sense of security by pretending he thought I was innocent.

His expression became guarded and he contemplated me before reaching into his pocket and handing over a note in a clear plastic bag. This was left in a watertight bag on the body. I couldn’t see another bag inside, so he must have placed it in an official evidence bag.

I was reluctant to take the note from him. The last time I’d fallen for that trick, I’d been framed for murder. This time, I didn’t take the note out of the bag and just held it gingerly by the edges.

What does it say? Fran asked as the ghosts crowded around behind me to read it over my shoulder.

‘This is what happens to anyone who trespasses on my property’, Jess read out loud. What does that mean?

What does it mean? I repeated, handing the note back. I still didn’t get why Drew was telling me about this. Apart from being stalked by Nigel Kline for a couple of days, I didn’t have any connection to the author.

This was also left on the body, he said and drew another clear plastic bag from his pocket.

He held it up instead of handing it to me. It was a photo that had been taken from a distance with a zoom lens. The blood tried to drain out of my face when I saw it was a photo of me. I don’t feel so good, I said, then slumped sideways as I fainted.

When I woke up a short while later, I was surrounded by both the living and the dead. Let me through, Dr. Becket said, then pushed his way through the small crowd and knelt beside me. What happened? he asked, pushing me back down with a hand on my shoulder when I tried to sit up.

She fainted, doc, Drew replied. Nina Rivers must have seen me faint from her bakery window. She’d come running and Tyrone Ferrell from the butcher shop next door must have followed her. To my surprise, Haydn Creighton was also looming over me.

I’m fine, I said groggily and the doctor helped me to my feet.

She’s in danger, Nina said with fear glimmering in her eyes. In her fifties, her sandy brown bowl cut hair looked disheveled, as if she’d run her hand through it. She wore a frumpy black dress and a white apron that was covered in ingredients from baking. A bit overweight, she carried most of her extra pounds in her chest. Someone is going to try to kill her, she added. Both Dr. Becket and Haydn gave her sharp looks. They were warlocks and they probably knew about her hunches and how accurate they were.

There’s no evidence that Diva’s life is in danger, Drew said with a frown that Tyrone shared. They were both normals and had no idea about the magical world. I’d tried to tell the sheriff that witches and warlocks were real, but he stubbornly refused to believe me despite all the evidence that he’d seen.

Nina’s hunches are never wrong, Reginald said in a hushed voice that I heard clearly. The other ghosts nodded in morose agreement.

Why did you faint? Haydn asked, then pursed his lips as if he was affronted by my lightheadedness. At twenty-six, he was only two years older than me, but he was so British and snobby that he seemed far older sometimes. His black hair was perfectly in place and his blue eyes held a hint of wickedness he could never quite hide. As always, he wore an expensive suit. It was navy blue and had faint white pinstripes that matched his shirt. His tie was navy blue as well. I had to hand it to the Creighton men, they all had impeccable taste in clothing.

Drew just told me that the creepy author who was following me around was murdered, I replied, sinking down onto my chair again. A photo of me was left on the body, along with a note.

What did the note say? Tyrone asked. He was a tall, muscular black man in his thirties with close-cropped ebony hair. He unconsciously flexed his biceps and they strained against his tight white t-shirt. He didn’t like his friends being threatened. Although he was just a normal, I still wouldn’t want him for an enemy.

Mr. Kline was shot in the head, I replied. The note said that that was what would happen to anyone who trespassed on the killer’s property.

Silence fell at that and no one had anything to say. Nina’s hand crept to her throat fearfully and Tyrone put his hand on her shoulder comfortingly. Haydn’s brows drew down and he scanned me from my head to my waist. The rest of my body was hidden behind my desk. I felt a tingle of magic as someone cast a spell. I couldn’t exactly ask which of the magic users was responsible when there was a couple of normals in the room. It hadn’t harmed me, so I would have to worry about it later.

Diva doesn’t need this many people in her office, Dr. Becket said, motioning for everyone to leave. I’d like a word with her in private, he added.

Everyone filed out and Drew paused in the doorway. Call me if you see anyone following you, or if you feel threatened by anyone. I nodded in agreement and he left.

What was that spell you cast, doc? I asked when he was gone.

What spell? Dr. Becket asked as he took a seat on the edge of my desk. In his late fifties or so, he had graying hair and bushy eyebrows. He was trim, fit and could always be counted on to be discreet.

Never mind. I guess Nina must have cast it.

You can feel magic being cast? he asked in surprise. I nodded, still feeling queasy that someone had murdered Nigel Kline because of me. Normals can’t usually feel magic, he said. Reaching forward, he placed his hand on my head. I felt another tingle sweep through me, but it felt different from the other spell. I was pretty sure he was just delving me. He jolted in what seemed like shock, then his face smoothed out. I can’t find any damage from your fall, he reported, but his voice sounded almost strained. You’ll be fine, as long as you don’t make a habit of fainting.

That only happens when I see blood and gore, or photos of myself that have been left on bodies, I reassured him.

Or when you try to kill a bug, Maryanne added, then cackled when I glowered at her.

I have to go to a client’s house, I said, checking my watch. What do I owe you for the house call?

Nothing, he replied, waving away the offer of payment. Be careful, Diva, he warned me as he stood. I’m sure I don’t have to remind you about how accurate Nina’s hunches are.

I know, doc, I said with a heavy sigh. The ghosts will watch my back.

Damn right we will, sweetie, Reginald said, eyes fierce and hip jutted cockily. Dr. Beckett couldn’t see the phantoms, but nodded dubiously and left.

Chapter Two

I TOOK MY PURSE OUT of the drawer of my battered desk, then locked the front door. Walk-ins weren’t common, but I changed the sign to one that said I’d be back in an hour. That should give me enough time to drive to Mrs. Nadeau’s house, find her missing cat and return.

Wait! Jess exclaimed when I headed for the back door. Let us check to see if it’s safe first, she added in a scolding tone.

Good idea, Fran agreed, transforming into guard mode. All four phantoms swept through the door to check that the coast was clear. They’d acted as my spectral bodyguards for a short while when I’d had two men stalking me. One had been Nigel Kline and the other was a private investigator.

I hadn’t seen the PI since he’d followed the author to my house. I hoped his employer had given up on trying to convince me to date him. Assuming he’d been hired by Carl Hannah, that was. My ex-client had admitted he’d hired a man to look into my finances and my personal life. He’d mistakenly thought it would impress me. He’d been very wrong about that. Instead, all I’d felt was violated and enraged by the intrusion on my private life.

It’s clear, hon, Reginald said, sticking his head through the door. His narrow face, slicked back black hair and thin body made him seem a bit like a weasel wearing human skin, but he was a good guy. He’d been wearing tight black slacks, a purple satin shirt with paisley patterns and a thick, tacky gold chain with a peace symbol when he’d died.

I stepped outside, locked the door and hurried over to my battered blue car. It was tempting to buy something that didn’t look like it was going to fall apart at any moment, but I was saving my money for something else. My dreams of buying a house of my own had almost been thwarted by Haydn Creighton’s fiancé. Thankfully, Gillian Farque hadn’t managed to divest me of my savings after all, but the price for Haydn paying for my stupidity was going to be high.

Farque hadn’t been in Hollowood Grove for long, but she’d already made my life miserable. Not only was she engaged to the warlock I had a secret crush on, she’d lumped me with a fifteen thousand dollar bill to have her sports car fixed. Sure, I’d crashed into her bumper, but she was rich and she could easily afford to pay for the damage. Her insurance would most likely have covered it anyway. My family was also wealthy, but I refused to rely on the Delaneys for money. I preferred to earn my own way.

Gillian didn’t know her fiancé had paid for the repair bill. If she’d found out, she would have hexed the crap out of me by now. I was doing my best to avoid her so she would never discover the truth. One thing I was lousy at was lying. If she asked me point blank if I’d paid for the damage to be fixed, she would instantly know I was fibbing when I answered her. Fortunately, I was a normal, so we didn’t exactly move in the same circles. Besides, the Creightons were our enemies and we didn’t spend any time in their company if we could help it.

What was the news you had for us? Jess asked the Three Stooges when we were all seated in my car.

Just that the author was dead, Fran replied. She was chubby, with red hair that had been styled in fat curls like Shirley Temple had once worn. She’d died wearing a blue dress with white polka dots and a matching bow in her hair. The dress did nothing to flatter her figure, but she was cursed to wear it forever.

We didn’t know about the note or the photo, Maryanne added. For reasons that were still unknown to me, she wore a tight white dress that dipped far too low for her saggy boobs and wrinkled chest. She wore a platinum-blonde wig that sat askew and her red lipstick was slightly uneven. She’d been in her fifties when she’d died, but she’d styled herself after Marilyn Monroe.

Who could be behind it? Jess asked. My best friend came from the era that had spawned crimped hair, electric blue headbands and matching leg warmers. She’d teamed them up with a hot pink t-shirt, acid wash jeans and electric blue eyeshadow. Out of all of them, her outfit was the most eye-catching.

I have no idea, I replied in a disturbed tone. I don’t have any stalkers or enemies left.

We all know that isn’t true, Fran denied. Angelica Mayhew is your number one nemesis.

Farque also hates you, Jess pointed out. We all snickered at Haydn’s fiancé’s surname. It caused us all endless amusement.

Neither of them would have killed Kline, I said as I pulled up in front of Mrs. Nadeau’s house. It was small, tidy and had a horde of colorful garden gnomes guarding her yard. I could see them through the palings of the white picket fence.

What’s with all the gnomes? Reginald asked, screwing his nose up when we exited from the car. I’ve never seen so many of them in one yard before, he added. ‘It’s like a ceramic plague."

Dozens of little statues nestled among the plants. It was the middle of fall and most of the shrubs were bare. I’d worn a coat over my blazer and pants to ward off the chill, but I still shivered a little. Lots of people like garden gnomes, I said in defense of my client.

This goes beyond the norm, Fran said, shaking her head in disagreement and making her chins quiver. This is in the realm of crazy.

That’s just what I need, I complained softly as I made my way up the path towards the door. Another insane client. I’ve had more than my share of those lately.

Hopefully, this one won’t try to kill you, Jess said solemnly. Neither of us felt like laughing since that had actually happened to me a couple of times now.

The door opened when I reached it and I blanched when I saw a little old lady framed in the doorway. Her hair was white rather than orange, but she looked a lot like Becca Reinhart. Fortunately, Mrs. Nadeau was a normal rather than a witch. Unless she pulled a gun out of the pocket of her floral housedress, she probably wasn’t going to be dangerous. Are you Diva Delaney? she asked in a hopeful tone, hands clutched together beneath her quivering chin.

That’s me, I replied and offered her my hand.

Come in, dear, she said, giving my hand a brief shake. I picked up that she was anxious for her missing cat, but I didn’t glean any homicidal thoughts from her, which was a relief.

We’ll keep watch out here, Fran said. None of them were interested in the details about the feline I was here to find. There was nothing exciting about searching for a missing pet.

We’ll make sure the gnomes don’t come to life and band together to try to invade the house, Reginald added. All three spirits snickered as I followed my client inside.

I knew it, Jess said in triumph when we were led to the parlor. There’s doilies everywhere! I looked around the room to see crocheted doilies covering every inch of the tables and sideboards. The décor was several decades old, but the furniture was in good condition. Some of that was due to the doilies that were protecting them from harm.

Would you like some tea or coffee? Mrs. Nadeau asked.

I knew old people liked to chat before they got down to business, so her offer didn’t come as a surprise. I’d love some coffee, I replied.

I’ll be right back, dear, she said and left the room.

It’s like being in a time warp, Jess said as she floated around, examining the photos and knickknacks.

Everything in here is even older than you are, I said, then grinned at her sour look.

I’m just glad she didn’t fill her house with gnomes like she did with the garden.

Me, too, I agreed. As it was, the room had way too many photos of cats for my liking. Mrs. Nadeau had obviously had a lot of pets over the years and she’d loved them all dearly. The only cat I had much contact with was Satan. My grandmother’s evil familiar hated me and attacked me whenever he could. I wasn’t looking forward to finding Mrs. Nadeau’s missing feline, but a job was a job and I would do my best to help my client.

Chapter Three

MRS. NADEAU WAS CARRYING a tray with two mugs of coffee, plus milk and sugar when she returned. I hastily stood and took it from her, receiving a grateful look when I placed it on the coffee table. We sat on the overstuffed chairs and added milk and sugar to our beverages.

When my client took a sip of coffee, I pointed at the photos. You’ve had a lot of cats over the years? I asked.

Oh my, yes, she said with a small laugh. I certainly have. Each one has been a joy and it always hurts when they pass away.

How many cats do you have now? I asked, looking around warily. I was well aware of how sneaky they could be.

Just one, she replied, to my relief. There had been up to eight cats in some of the photos. It boggled my mind that anyone would want that many animals hounding them for food and attention. Pumpkin is a sweet little thing, she added, dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief she pulled out of her sleeve. She loves to sit on my lap as I crochet my doilies. Jess rolled her eyes in complete lack of surprise to hear that. It explained why some of the doilies had cat fur entwined with the yarn.

When did you see Pumpkin last? I asked.

Two days ago, she replied. I fed her breakfast, then she went outside to do her business, but never came back in. I’ve searched the yard and asked my neighbors if they’ve seen her, but she’s just disappeared.

Did you call the pound? I asked.

She nodded, then took another sip of coffee before replying. They don’t have any cats that match Pumpkin’s description.

What does Pumpkin look like?

Reaching over to a lamp table, she picked up a photo in a frame and handed it to me. Pumpkin was a ginger cat that was almost the same shade as Becca Reinhart’s hair. That explained her name, at least. Her green eyes were narrowed and she was glaring at the camera spitefully.

That doesn’t look like a cat with a sweet temperament, Jess said as she examined the photo over my shoulder. It looks like the female equivalent of Satan.

Has Pumpkin ever scratched or bitten anyone, Mrs. Nadeau? I queried as I handed the photo back.

She put it back on the table, avoiding eye contact with me. She stalled by picking up her coffee and taking a long drink before finally replying. Maybe once or twice, she admitted sheepishly. But she’s always been very gentle with me.

Who has she attacked? I asked, glancing around uneasily again, half-expecting the hellcat to leap out and get me.

Well, it’s hard to think of everyone Pumpkin has taken a disliking to, my client hedged.

So, it’s probably a lot of people, then? I prodded.

I guess so, she said while avoiding my gaze again.

Has anyone ever threatened to harm your cat? I threatened to harm Satan all the time, but I didn’t have it in me to actually go through with it.

Not that I can recall, she said with a thoughtful frown. Most people just stay away once she’s ambushed them.

Oh, boy, Jess said in dread. This cat is definitely Satan’s equal. I bet one of her victims killed her and dumped her body in the trash.

This wasn’t my usual sort of case, but I was intrigued enough to at least try to find the feline. Can you show me where you last saw Pumpkin? I asked.

Of course, dear, my client replied. We carried our coffee mugs as she led me down the hallway to the back door. A cat door had been cut out, allowing her animals access to the outside. She opened the door and we stepped out into her small backyard.

Holy crap, it’s a gnome army! Jess exclaimed. There’s enough gnomes here for every house in Hollowood Grove!

Dozens of statues crowded the lawn and peeked out from the withered shrubs. I take it you like gnomes? I asked as diplomatically as possible while trying hard not to shriek with laughter at Jess’ reaction.

Collecting them was my husband’s hobby, Mrs. Nadeau said with a small smile. He passed away a few years ago, but I don’t have the heart to get rid of them. We examined the horde and she shook her head. They are a little creepy, aren’t they?

It’s just unexpected to see so many of them in one yard, I replied. Or in ten yards for that matter. I kept that thought to myself.

Pumpkin’s favorite spot to sit was on the back fence, my client told me, getting back to the reason why she’d called me here. We wended our way through the clusters of gnomes to the brick fence. It was five feet tall, which was about Mrs. Nadeau’s height. I peered over it to see the backyard of the house behind hers. There were no orange cats in sight, but a small tan dog perked its ears up when it saw me. Its lips drew back in a snarl, then it let out shrill barks as it came charging towards us. Don’t mind Rex, Mrs. Nadeau said. He always barks at strangers.

Did she hear him barking the day Pumpkin disappeared? Jess asked while floating through the brick wall to take a look at the neighbor’s yard. It was a good question, so I repeated it.

Hmm, Mrs. Nadeau mused. Not that I can recall, but he barks so frequently I’ve learned to tune him out most of the time.

Draining my coffee, I put the empty mug on the fence, then placed my hands where Pumpkin usually sat. Releasing my psychic abilities, I picked up images of the feline immediately. While I couldn’t read the emotions of animals, I saw her hunched on the fence, glowering at Rex. The pair hadn’t gotten along, which came as no surprise. What I didn’t see was anyone snatching the animal from her perch. I saw through her eyes as she turned suddenly, then moved towards the neighbor’s yard and leaped down. The vision went dark once the cat left the fence.

I don’t think anyone took Pumpkin from your yard, I reported, taking my hands away from the fence and wiping them on my coat.

What did you see, dear? Mrs. Nadeau asked anxiously.

I saw her jumping over the fence into your neighbor’s yard.

I pointed to the property to the right and she frowned. Pumpkin never leaves the yard. What on Earth could have driven her away?

I’m not sure, I replied with a shrug. I can’t pick up on animals’ emotions.

Can you follow her trail?

This should be good, Jess said with an amused snort. I’m sure no one will mind if you traipse through their property in search of an imp from hell that they probably all hate.

Will your neighbors allow me to enter their properties? I asked.

I’m not sure, Mrs. Nadeau admitted. None of them really like Pumpkin. Perhaps it would be best if you came back at night and searched without them knowing about it.

I’m pretty sure that’s illegal, I pointed out.

Her eyes teared up and she looked at me beseechingly. Pumpkin means the world to me, Ms. Delaney, she said in a broken voice. Please find her for me before something horrible happens to her. I just couldn’t bear it if she’s dead.

Letting out a sigh, I nodded. I’ll try, Mrs. Nadeau. Does anyone else in the street own a dog that might bark or try to bite me? She pointed out a couple of houses that I needed to avoid, then I handed her my empty mug and took my leave.

You’re such a sucker, Jess observed as we took the path that led down the side of the house to the front yard. More gnomes guarded the trail. You fall for that frail, helpless little old lady act every time.

I know, I said, shaking my head at my own stupidity. I was going to sneak around like a burglar looking for a cat that would surely try to scratch me to pieces once I found her. This job had better pay well, I muttered.

Did you find anything? Fran asked when we reached the sidewalk.

The cat wasn’t snatched, I reported. She left the yard and headed that way. I pointed at the house to the right of Mrs. Nadeau’s property.

What now? Reginald asked. Are you going to go door knocking and ask if anyone has seen her?

Pumpkin is Satan’s female equivalent, Jess told them with a smirk. Everyone hates her.

Her name is Pumpkin? Maryanne said, wheezing out a laugh at the name. So, what now? Are we giving up already?

Of course not, Jess said. We’re coming back after dark so Diva can break and enter every yard until she finds the evil thing.

This we’ve got to see, Fran said, rubbing her hands together in anticipation of the hilarity that was bound to ensue.

Ten bucks says she gets arrested, Reginald said.

No one is stupid enough to bet against you this time, Maryanne replied with a cackle. She’ll be joining Gary The Pervert in his favorite cell again before the night is out.

I flicked them all a dark look, then climbed into my car and headed back to my office.

Chapter Four

I WAS KEPT BUSY WITH clients and phone calls for the rest of the day. Some of the calls were hang-ups. They were unidentified numbers, so I didn’t know who the caller was. I was left with a creeping feeling of doom each time it happened. It was as if someone was checking up on me. This had been going on for a couple of weeks now and I didn’t like it. I hadn’t told anyone because no threats had been made yet. Now that Mr. Kline had ended up dead, it might be time to tell the sheriff about it.

Checking my watch, I saw it was almost closing time. I debated about whether to head to the Sheriff’s Department now and decided it could wait until tomorrow. Besides, there was a good chance I would be caught sneaking into Mrs. Nadeau’s neighbors’ properties. I could very well be seeing Drew later tonight anyway.

What’s wrong? Jess asked when I heaved a sigh as we left my office. The terrible trio were somewhere else in town, spreading the gossip about the dead author, which meant we were alone.

I was just wondering about the likelihood that I’ll be caught snooping tonight.

I’d say the chances are high, my bestie predicted. You aren’t exactly a stealth master.

Sadly, this wouldn’t be the first time I’d done some clandestine sneaking. At least I didn’t have a spanking curse on me to slow me down and cause me agony with every step I took this time. That was if I managed to get through dinner without upsetting my grandmother. Lilla Delaney’s curses were legendary. No one wanted to get on her bad side, including the members of her own family.

I had almost an hour to myself when I parked in the ramshackle carport next to my cottage. It gave me a chance to relax and to gird myself for the coming drama. Tiny compared to the main house, my cottage had a miniscule kitchen, a combined living and dining room, one bedroom and one bathroom. It was enough for me for now, but I wasn’t planning on living here forever.

Dinner was always served promptly at six in the Delaney mansion. I changed into jeans, a sweater and a raincoat in anticipation of a deluge shortly before it was time to brave the gauntlet. Is it clear? I asked Jess with my hand on the doorknob.

She stuck her head outside to take a look. I can’t see Satan, but he’s practically invisible in the gloom. His fur was black and he blended into the shadows far too well. The sun wasn’t due to set for another hour, but heavy clouds had brought an early twilight.

Stepping outside and closing the door, I wasn’t at all surprised when the clouds chose to release the water they’d been storing all day. I pulled my hood up to cover my head, then dashed across the lawn to the mansion. The one good thing about it raining so often in Hollowood Grove in the evenings was that there was less chance I would be attacked by the imp.

Bryce was waiting for us just inside the door. Your family has heard the news about the dead author, he informed me with a touch of worry on his strangely unlined face. He’d been in his seventies when he’d died, but he looked younger. Bryce had been the family butler for a hundred years, fifty of which had been while he’d been alive. He was bald and wore a black suit and white gloves. Until recently, he’d always treated me like a stranger. After I’d helped save Eve and Courtney from being drained to death by two rogue warlocks, his attitude had changed. He’d found a smidgen of respect for me after they’d been brought home safe and sound.

Are they in the parlor? Jess asked.

No. They are in the dining room. With a small bow, he led the way.

It was a relief that I wasn’t being summoned to the parlor. No good ever came of it. That room was Grandma’s sanctuary. It was where she did her knitting, met with her cronies and plotted punishments for anyone who had offended her.

All conversation cut off when I entered the dining room with my invisible companions. Bryce told me you’ve all heard about Mr. Kline’s death, I said as I took my seat next to Courtney. The table was far too big for the six of us and could seat fifteen people.

Why didn’t you tell us yourself? Grandma asked. She was itching to hex me. I could tell by the way her hand was resting on the table instead of holding her fork.

I knew Mrs. Rivers would spread the word, I replied in what I hoped was a logical tone.

Did you really faint? Courtney asked with a hint of a grin despite her worried tone.

Wouldn’t you if a body had been found with your photo on it along with a death note?

Hell no, she scoffed. I don’t faint at the drop of a hat like you do.

Language, Grandma snapped and my cousin flinched.

Sorry, Grandma, Courtney said hastily. Lilla Delaney didn’t tolerate any sass. Especially at the dinner table.

Does Sheriff McTavish have any idea who killed the author? Aunt Janet asked. I noticed she still wore the obsidian pendant that boosted her power. It helped her cast an enchantment that made her look a decade younger than she really was, which was nearly fifty. No one else in the family had noticed she’d gradually started to look more youthful. She’d given back the spell book where she’d found the enchantment, but she’d memorized it so she could still use it. She looked like an older version of my cousins and me, with dark brown eyes and a slim figure. Her hair was cut in a trendy style just above her shoulders. It was dyed black, probably to hide the gray that had to be creeping into it by now.

Did Drew blame you for the murder? Aunt Isabel asked before I could reply. She didn’t take as much care as Janet with her appearance. Although she was two years younger than her sister, her hair was graying, had no real style and she was beginning to look stout. After kicking her husband out when my cousins and I had been small, she’d given up on men, it seemed. As far as I knew, she hadn’t dated anyone since her divorce.

Not this time, I said to everyone’s relief. He just came to warn me about it.

We heard Nina Rivers’ hunch hasn’t gone away, Eve said. She sat to Courtney’s right and leaned forward to see me. Grandma sat at the end of the table. In her seventies, she was slightly shrunken with age and perpetually wore black dresses. She was the Delaney family matriarch and would rule us until her death, which I hoped wouldn’t be anytime soon. She might be gruff, but she loved us and she would protect us against all costs.

We also heard she’s predicted your death, Aunt Janet added.

She said someone would ‘try’ to kill me, I corrected her. She didn’t actually say that I was going to die.

My tracing spell is still active, Grandma said, pointing her finger at me. Let us know if you intend to leave town. I want to know where you are at all times.

Yes, Grandma, I said meekly, secretly relieved that she hadn’t taken the tracking spell off me yet.

You’re up to something, Aunt Isabel said, narrowing her eyes suspiciously.

What do you mean? I asked innocently, face flaming in anticipation of being busted for something I hadn’t even done yet.

You’re squirming in your seat, she replied. That’s exactly how you used to act when you were a kid and you were plotting to do something stupid.

Everyone paused to wait for my reaction. My new client asked me to search for her cat, I said in defeat. I was so bad at lying that it was best to just tell them the truth. Everyone in her neighborhood hates the cat and she’s pretty sure they wouldn’t let me search their yards for her, I explained.

What does your client expect you to do? Aunt Janet asked skeptically. Come back after dark and break into her neighbors’ yards?

Pretty much, I replied glumly.

My cousins immediately broke into snickers, earning a disapproving look from our grandmother. Do you have any idea what happened to the cat? Grandma asked. She’d always liked felines, hence why she had the black imp from hell as her familiar.

I saw a vision of Pumpkin leaping into the neighbor’s yard, I replied. I’m not sure where she went after that. Mrs. Nadeau says Pumpkin never leaves her yard.

Pumpkin? Aunt Isabel asked with a shudder. Is the cat ginger?

Yeah, I replied. Have you heard of her?

I know someone who lives near that horrible animal. It bites and scratches everyone except its owner.

That’s her, I confirmed.

Someone probably killed it and tossed the body in a dumpster, Courtney suggested.

That’s what Jess said, I told her. But I don’t think so. Something drew her away from her yard. I’m hoping I can search the other yards and pick up her trail.

Someone needs to go with Diva, Grandma announced, sweeping her gaze at us. She pointed at Courtney. You don’t have to get up early to go to work in the morning like everyone else does. It won’t matter if you get arrested along with your cousin.

Grandma! Courtney protested, then snapped her mouth shut when the matriarch held her hand up threateningly. Okay, she said quickly before she could be hexed into submission. I’ll go with her.

Call me when Drew catches you, Aunt Isabel said, shaking her head in resignation. Hopefully, I can talk him out of locking you up for the entire night with Gary The Pervert to keep you company. None of them had ever seen Gary, but I’d told them all about the naked ghost who had a permanent boner.

Thanks for your votes of confidence, everyone, I said dryly. They all clearly thought we would get busted, but I didn’t blame them. I was pretty sure we would end up in the back of Drew’s cruiser before too long as well.

Chapter Five

FOR ONCE, I WAS GLAD for the drenching rain. It would help mask me and my unwilling accomplice as we crept through Mrs. Nadeau’s neighbors’ yards. I can’t believe I’ve been roped into doing this, Courtney complained as she followed me from the mansion to my car. She’d donned a raincoat as well rather than using a spell to keep herself dry. It was hard to keep more than one active enchantment going, unless it was tied to someone like the tracking spell Grandma had placed on me. She would need to use her full concentration if something happened and she had to use magic to get us out of it.

Look on the bright side, I said as I opened my car door. At least our mugshots will be interesting. We both wore black raincoats over dark clothes. My hair was wet and bedraggled where it had come out from beneath the hood. Our faces were wet and our makeup was already beginning to run.

We look like racoons, my cousin said with a reluctant grin as we climbed into my car. We’d better not get caught. I don’t want to become the laughing stock of Hollowood Grove.

Yeah, Jess said from the back seat. That’s your usual title, Diva. I cut her a look, but it didn’t stop her from laughing at me.

Seeing the Three Stooges swooping up the driveway when I switched my headlights on, I waited for them to cram themselves into the back with Jess before driving off.

We made it in time, Fran said. I was worried you were going to leave without us. They didn’t want to miss out on even a second of what was bound to be a humiliating night for me.

What’s she doing here? Maryanne asked, hiking her thumb at Courtney.

Grandma forced her to come with me, I replied.

Ghosts? Courtney asked with one eyebrow raised.

Ghosts, I confirmed. They’re all coming with us. They don’t want to miss out on seeing us get arrested. All four spirits cracked up at what everyone thought would be the inevitable outcome of our mission.

This is going to be ridiculous, Courtney predicted. Neither of us is cut out to sneak around in the dark. Especially while it’s raining.

What choice do I have? I pointed out. My client is paying me to look for her cat.

I guess you can’t fib and tell her you looked for Pumpkin and couldn’t find her, my cousin said begrudgingly. Everyone knows how pathetic you are at lying.

There’s nothing wrong with being honest, I said in self-defense. I kept my attention on the slick road, but flicked her quick glances every now and then.

There is if you’re trying to get away with something, she shot back.

You can do the lying if it comes down to it.

Duh, she said and rolled her eyes. That goes without saying. I can lie better in my sleep than you can when you’re awake. My spectral friends made noises of agreement from the back.

When we reached Mrs. Nadeau’s house, I kept driving and parked around the corner. Rain drummed down on us, muffling all other noise when we climbed out. On the off chance that Pumpkin had cut through the yard on the corner, I walked over to the fence. I ran my hands along the length of it, but didn’t pick up any images from the orange feline.

You didn’t find anything? Courtney asked, hunching forward to try to keep the rain out of her face.

Not yet, I replied, then turned to the ghosts. Can you keep watch and let me know if anyone is following us, or if Drew turns up?

You can count on us! Fran said, nodding so hard that her red curls almost moved. The rain passed through the spirits without touching them. This was one of the rare times that I envied them for being spirits.

This is what we live for, Maryanne added.

We’re dead, sweetie, Reginald reminded her.

She rolled her eyes. It’s a figure of speech, Reggie.

You know I hate it when you call me Reggie, he complained as they spread out to keep watch. Jess shook her head, but made no move to leave my side. As my best friend, she’d always been there to watch over me. She wasn’t about to abandon me now.

Keeping contact with the fences as we walked around the corner towards Mrs. Nadeau’s house, I didn’t pick up any signs of Pumpkin at all. Plenty of other cats had used the fences as a walkway, though. I lurched away in fright when a dog lunged at me from behind a gate, barking savagely. It was one of the properties I’d been warned to avoid and had forgotten about.

Sheesh, I almost zapped that dog with a hex, Courtney said, putting a hand on her heart as if it was racing.

There’s another one a couple of doors down, I warned her. We avoided that gate, but the pooch still growled as we approached the property, then began barking. Not even rain was enough to make them give up on their guard duties.

We reached the house next door to Mrs. Nadeau’s place and looked around furtively. It was nestled in between two streetlights and we were shrouded in shadows. Is it clear? I asked Jess. Ghosts had far better night vision than we did.

I think so, she said, peering around carefully. I can’t see anyone watching us.

The gate opened with a quiet squeak and we crept along the path, then veered down the side of the house to the backyard. It was completely lightless and I cursed when I tripped over something. Courtney caught me before I could fall and conjured up a tiny magical globe. It cast just enough light to guide us without being seen from the house.

Thanks, I said, then stepped around the tree stump that had impeded me.

Hurry, Courtney urged me, waving her free hand at me while aiming her globe towards the back fence.

I avoided the other obstacles and put my hands on the old stone fence. Picking up traces of Pumpkin,