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“You shouldn’t be doing this, you know,” Wynona said as she pulled up next to Prim’s tiny car. It was built for fairies and was definitely one of the smallest contraptions on the road.
Prim shrugged. “Yeah, well...how often do I do what I’m supposed to?”
“This time we’re talking about the law,” Wynona pointed out as she hung her helmet on her steering wheel.
Prim grinned. “We’ve got an inner connection,” she said. “We’ll be fine.”
Wynona shook her head. “Rascal and Daemon won’t like it.”
“Then don’t tell them.”
Wynona gave Prim a look. “I’ll just flat out say that’s not happening.” She put her hands on her hips and stared at the large house. “So...what exactly are you planning to accomplish here?”
Prim pursed her lips. “Since I’m part of the fairy community, I thought maybe I could chat...see if there was something I’d understand that the rest of you didn’t.”
“Hmm...”
What’s going on? Rascal asked, intruding on her conversation.
Prim and I are at the Pearlilys, Wynona responded. Prim was coming and I met her to try and keep her from doing something stupid.
Being there is stupid, Rascal retorted. Go home.
“He’s trying to talk you out of it, isn’t he?” Prim said with a smirk.
Wynona raised an eyebrow. “That obvious, huh?”
Prim snickered. “You’re not exactly a master of keeping your face neutral. Never play poker.”
“So noted,” Wynona responded. “Can’t say it was ever in the plans anyway.”
Thank goodness, Violet muttered.
Wy. I mean it. Go home.
“Okay...here we go,” Prim said, sounding like she was psyching herself up.
“Maybe we should think about it,” Wynona offered, following Prim up the front steps. “We don’t want to interfere with the investigation. What if the Pearlilys file a complaint?”
Prim grinned over her shoulder, a look purely full of fairy mischief. “Why do you think I texted you? You’re my failsafe.”
Wynona stopped in her tracks. “What?”
Prim chose not to answer, knocking on the door instead.
Wynona clenched her jaw, frustrated with Prim’s lack of propriety, and marched up the rest of the steps.
Easy, witch girl. She’s never been good at paying attention to consequences.
I know that, Wynona said, her anger starting to deflate. But this isn’t a game, even if she is attracted to an officer. I’m afraid she’s going to get hurt.
Then make sure she doesn’t, Violet stated curtly.
Rascal sighed long and loud in Wynona’s brain. I’m on my way. Keep her out of trouble.
Wynona closed her eyes, only to pop them open when she heard the front door open.
“May I help you?” the butler asked with a heavy look of disdain.
Prim clasped her hands in front of her, bouncing lightly on her toes, and gave the stoic creature her best smile. “Hello. I’m Primrose Meadows. I’d like to speak with Mrs. Pearlily, please.”
Good to know she can be polite when she wants to be, Violet said with a snort.
Hush, Wynona responded. She smiled tightly behind Prim. “I’m Wynona Le Doux.”
“I see,” the butler drawled. He closed the door and his footsteps clicked on the floor as he walked away.
“Do you think he’s getting her? Or did we just get rejected?” Prim asked, not seeming worried either way.
“I would guess he’ll ask if she’s willing to see us,” Wynona said. She wrung her hands together. If Chief Ligurio got fired over this, Wynona wasn’t sure what she would do. Their relationship might be somewhat akin to a rollercoaster, but Wynona cherished it nonetheless and she didn’t want anything to happen to the surly vampire.
Prim sniffed. “Seems to be taking his time about it.”
“Prim, I really don’t think we should—” Wynona cut off when the butler opened the door again.
“Mrs. Pearlily will see you.” He stepped back, and slightly bent his head.
Deciding there was nothing to do but pretend she wanted to be there, Wynona threw back her shoulders, gave a polite nod to the butler and walked inside as if she belonged there. Mrs. Pearlily had been thrilled to have someone of the royal family in her house before. Hopefully that welcome still stood.
“Ms. Le Doux!” Mrs. Pearlily gushed. Her wings fluttered, holding her just off the floor even in her human form. “I’m so glad you came back!” She flew across the room and wrapped Wynona in a tight hug.
Wynona stiffened immediately. She had hoped she’d be welcome, but this was a little much. Fighting her shock, she wrapped her arms around Mrs. Pearlily and gave her a hug in return. “Thank you so much for having us,” Wynona said.
Mrs. Pearlily pulled back, her face flushed and her hands clasped tightly at her chest. “Us?” Her eyes were wide as she turned and realized that Wynona wasn’t alone. “Oh! Oh my.” Her wing movement picked up in her distress. “And who might you be?” She held out her hand.
“Primrose Meadows,” Prim replied.
“Meadows?” Mrs. Pearlily blinked several times. “Meadows...” Her eyebrows shot up. “The Meadows of Flicker Valley?”
Prim nodded, relaxing a little that her family name had been recognized. It was clear to Wynona that Prim had been counting on that. “I’m the youngest of the brood.”
Mrs. Pearlily nodded, her face deflating as she studied Prim. “The one without wings,” the older fairy whispered, as if there was something dirty about it.
Prim’s face reddened and for the first time, Wynona understood a little of what Prim had been facing her whole life. When they’d first met, after Wynona’s escape from her family, both women had had to fight and struggle for every step they’d taken in their adult lives, but Prim was way ahead of Wynona. She had already had her shop and a wonderful reputation among the flower community by the time Wynona had arrived on the scene.
“Yes,” Prim said in a snippy tone. “No wings...but plenty of other gifts.” She snapped her fingers and the orchid in the corner window suddenly came back to life.
Mrs. Pearlily gasped, her hands coming up to cover her cheeks.
“Orchids don’t like the amount of heat that comes from west-facing windows,” Prim said, one eyebrow perched high on her forehead. “South is better and will give plenty of light for the plant.”
Mrs. Pearlily’s hair shook as she nodded vigorously. “I’m sure your parents are so proud.”
Prim snorted, then flounced to a sofa and sat down. “Mrs. Pearlily...I’d like to ask you a few questions.”
“Oh, yes.” Mrs. Pearlily rushed to the opposite side and sat primly on the edge. She reached to the coffee table and rang a bell. “Dupe. A tea platter, please.”
The butler turned to leave.
“Oh, and Dupe?”
“Ma’am?”
Mrs. Pearlily smiled. “Do not make Mr. Pearlily aware of our guests.”
The butler hesitated only slightly before nodding.
Wynona walked warily over to Prim’s side. “Will our visit cause trouble, Mrs. Pearlily? We would never want to do that.”
Mrs. Pearlily waved an unconcerned hand in the air. “Goodness, no. He just prefers to keep to himself. I wouldn’t want him to feel obligated to come say hello.” She tilted her head and smiled. “I’m sure you understand. He’s such a busy man.”
“Of course,” Wynona said hurriedly. Truth was, she wasn’t upset she wouldn’t see the angry fairy. If she had to pick a suspect to go to the top of the list, she would definitely pick Mr. Pearlily. Men like him, who were so quick to anger and bullied their associates, could easily hurt someone when they didn’t get their way. Wynona had no problem imagining Mr. Pearlily getting angry that Dralo refused to stop seeing his daughter and had simply taken matters into his own hand.
But he had an alibi and the ear of the judge. You’ll never pin it on him, Violet reminded her.
Unless we can find the right evidence, Wynona responded. Maybe being here isn’t such a bad thing. If we can find something in the house that’s suspicious, maybe we could convince Chief Ligurio to dig deeper.
You want me to go exploring, don’t you? Violet yawned. I think it’s my nap time.
Please? I’ll make cookies tonight.
Violet’s nose twitched. Snickerdoodles?
Any kind you want.
Sold. Without another chitter, Violet slipped down Wynona’s back to remain unseen from the other ladies in the room and Wynona saw the mouse climb down the couch from her peripheral vision.
“Tell me, Mrs. Pearlily,” Wynona said, trying to make sure no one noticed her familiar’s escape. “How is Thallia feeling this morning?”
Mrs. Pearlily pursed her lips and shook her head. “She was so shaken up last night after being pulled in by the police.” The fairy’s manicured hand went to her chest. “And of course to lose Edana. That sweet little girl was just growing up. It’s such a tragedy.”
Wynona nodded her agreement. “It was tragic. Had she and Thallia been friends for very long?”
“Years,” Mrs. Pearlily said in a serious tone. “Ever since they were little girls.” She pinched her lips together and leaned forward ever so slightly. “Mr. Pearlily didn’t love that Thallia was friends with a vampire, but when I told him that she came from such good stock, he allowed it.”
“Good stock?” Wynona asked. “Who was Edana related to?”
“Well, you probably wouldn’t know them, dear,” Mrs. Pearlily replied. “Her family moved away several years ago, right after Edana graduated. But the Onyx family has been heavily involved in the stock trade. Those vampire senses have always been good at predicting the financial movements.”
Wynona nodded, though she knew nothing of the sort. She’d have to do a little research when she got home. “And her relationship with Syn Ringer? Did your husband approve of that?” It occurred to Wynona that Prim hadn’t asked any questions and she glanced over at her friend.
Prim’s eyes were half closed and Wynona wasn’t sure if the fairy was listening or not. This whole visit had been her idea. What in all of Hex Haven was she doing?
Carefully, Wynona reached over with her foot and bumped the side of Prim’s.
Prim’s eyes opened fully and she looked questioningly at Wynona.
“What was that, Mrs. Pearlily?” Wynona asked, pretending her attention had never been away. “I’m afraid I didn’t quite catch what you said.”
Mrs. Pearlily held up a finger and a moment later the door opened with their tea tray.
Wynona took note that Mrs. Pearlily obviously had better hearing than she did.
“Thank you, Dupe,” Mrs. Pearlily said imperiously. She waited until the butler had left before pouring the drink. “Tea?” she asked Wynona, that light smile on her face again.
“Um...yes, thank you,” Wynona said. There was something in Mrs. Pearlily’s manner that was slightly off and she had to wonder if it was the question she had posed. Wynona had been after a reaction, of course. She needed to figure out who was lying between Syn and Thallia, but Mrs. Pearlily didn’t seem eager to respond. “Thank you,” Wynona murmured when she took the offered cup.
Prim took her cup and stood, wandering aimlessly around the room while she sipped the brew.
Wynona laughed a little uncomfortably. She had no idea what Prim was up to. “So...Syn Ringer? I spoke with him last night...”
Mrs. Pearlily stuck out her pinky finger while drinking her tea, then set down the cup on the saucer she held. “Syn Ringer never had a relationship with Thallia,” she said with a shrill laugh. “I have no idea where you would have gotten that idea.”
Wynona frowned. “Thallia said they were friends.”
“Oh, I suppose they could be called acquaintances by some standards, but there was never anything more.” Mrs. Pearlily took a leisurely sip. “Thallia has always had such a big heart. She can’t turn away needy creatures, even if they’re only looking to use her for her family name.”
Wynona kept herself from pointing out that Mrs. Pearlily was the one who seemed fixated on using people for their name...but barely. “So he never dated her?”
“Goodness, no.” Mrs. Pearlily laughed again. “Whatever gave you that idea?”
Wynona shrugged and drank her tea. It took effort not to make a face. Bagged tea never quite did it for her. The lemon balm was far from soothing, instead tasting stale and artificial. Apparently, I’ve become a tea snob, she thought to herself.
That was clear quite a long time ago, Violet huffed as she reentered the room.
Oh thank goodness, Wynona thought. Did you find anything?
Get me out of here and we’ll talk.
“Ma’am?” The butler came back inside the parlor.
“Yes, Dupe?” Mrs. Pearlily asked.
“A Deputy Chief Strongclaw is here.”
Mrs. Pearlily frowned. “Strongclaw? Is that a family I should know?”
“That’s my boyfriend,” Wynona said, setting down her cup and standing up. “Thank you so much for your time, Mrs. Pearlily, but I’m afraid I really must be going.”
“Really? So quickly?”
Prim appeared at Wynona’s side. “Yes. It’s time.”
Wynona’s smile felt strained and she took Prim’s arm. “We’ll visit another time.”
“Oh, please do,” Mrs. Pearlily gushed. “Your family is such a wonderful...uh...family.”
Wynona nodded, unable to verbally agree. “We’re coming, Dupe,” she told the butler.
The creature stepped back, allowing Wynona and Prim out into the hall. As they walked, Wynona felt Violet jump onto her leg and climb up onto her shoulder. Steady?
As I’ll ever be.
“Wy!” Rascal called from the front door. He looked immensely relieved to see her.
“Hello, sweetheart,” Wynona said loudly, giving Rascal a significant look. “Thank you for picking me up.”
“Of course,” Rascal said quickly, catching on without a word. “We wouldn’t want you to be late for your next appointment, would we?”
“Nope.” Wynona waved as she and Prim emerged into the sunshine. When the large front door finally slammed shut, she blew out a breath and her entire body slumped. “Oh my goodness, I was afraid we’d never get out of there. Violet said she found something.”
“Oh, yeah?” Prim asked with a devilish grin. “I’ve got something better.”
“Really?” Wynona asked, folding her arms over her chest. “It seemed to me that you spent the entire time walking around like a zombie rather than a detective.”
Prim sniffed. “We all detect in different ways,” she said, defending herself.
“And just how did you detect anything?”
Prim’s grin was back and her pink eyes flashed. “You’d be amazed what plants will tell you if you use your manners.”