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“Thank you,” Wynona said to whatever officer was handing her a glass of water. She drank it far more quickly than was polite, but her body still felt excessively dehydrated after the encounter with Thallia.
“I had no idea fairies could burn like that,” Rascal grumbled, slumping into the seat next to her.
Wynona shook her head slowly. “They can’t...I don’t think. At least, I’ve never heard or read about it.” She stared at the paper cup in her hands, her mind churning as she went over the situation again...for what seemed the hundredth time. “I think I need a better education on creatures than the one I have.”
Rascal rubbed her back. “That makes two of us. I’ve learned more since you joined our force than in the ten years prior.” He gave her a half hearted smirk. “What is it about you that brings out all the crazies?”
Wynona glared. “Ha. Ha.”
His smile grew and he almost looked like himself again, which gave her hope that they would come back from...whatever it was that had pulled them apart.
Okay...Violet said, coming back from the bathroom. I think I got most of the soot out of my fur. But let me tell you, the two don’t mix well, so don’t expect me to be around the next time you want to play with pyrotechnics.
“I’m not eager to repeat it myself,” Wynona assured her familiar. She bent over and put a hand on the floor, allowing Violet to climb on.
Rascal reached over, but hesitated, then dropped his hand before taking the creature. His relationship with Violet had been just as hurt as his bond with Wynona. They were seriously going to have to figure this thing out if life was ever going to get back to normal.
Chief Ligurio came back into the room.
But not until this is over, Wynona lamented to herself.
“Okay. Dad and daughter are both in custody. Their lawyer is here, screaming about the injustice of it all...” Chief Ligurio sighed. “In other words, I think we’re on the right track.”
“And they don’t have any idea where Mrs. Pearlily might have run off to?” Wynona asked.
The vampire shook his head and brushed a hand over his dark, now unruly hair. “She’s not one to go on trips by herself, apparently. She’s always been dedicated to her family, so they don’t have any ideas as to where she might go to hide.”
“Isn’t there anything we can do?”
“The highways are blocked,” Rascal assured her. “There’s an APB out, and we’re watching the airport over in Cauldron Cove. There’s not much else we can do.”
Wynona pursed her lips in thought. “She could have gone to the Grove of Secrets...”
Rascal’s head jerked her way. “No one ever comes out of there.”
“I know, but...if someone was desperate enough, they might give it a try.”
Chief Ligurio scoffed. “I don’t think she would simply commit suicide this quickly. My guess is she’s close to home. She put too much work into saving her daughter to simply disappear for good. She’s probably waiting and watching, hoping we’ll calm down so she can get back to work.”
Doing what? Violet asked sarcastically. Killing the rest of the population so Thallia can be queen?
Hush, Wynona said, though there was little reprimand in her tone. She had never personally experienced the love of a mother, but at the moment, Wynona was wondering if her own mother’s apathy wasn’t preferable to a parent who was willing to kill innocents in order to force their child into compliance. A sudden thought popped into Wynona’s head. “We need to talk to Mr. Pearlily about where he really was the night of Dralo’s murder,” Wynona said softly. She was so tired at this point, she was surprised she could keep her eyes open at all...or that her brain was still running. “Was he covering for his wife? Or himself?”
Chief Ligurio nodded. “Right. I’d forgotten that one.” He waved them toward the door. “He’s in interrogation room number four.”
Wynona stumbled slightly when she got to her feet and Rascal wrapped his arm around her waist.
“You need to go home,” he growled.
“We need to finish this,” Wynona answered back. “I’m tired of this case taking over. I want my business and my life back.”
He grunted in approval and together they walked out of the office and down the hallway.
Daemon came toward them with long strides. “Wynona,” he said by way of greeting. “I brought you something.” He held out a box with familiar gold writing on the top.
Wynona smiled. She took the offering and breathed deeply. “How did you know the raspberry croissants were my favorite breakfast food?”
He grinned. “When I sent another officer to the imp’s, I made sure he got the answers he needed. I’m sorry I don’t have any tea for you, but...” He shrugged. “The person who makes the tea is busy.”
Wynona waved him off. “That’s alright. These will certainly help bring my blood sugar back up and I can find tea in Amaris’s desk when she gets in this morning.”
“Well done, Skymaw,” Rascal said in a low tone.
“Boss,” Daemon responded with a nod. He reached his long arm over and opened the room door. “Shall we?”
Wynona straightened her shoulders, refusing to go in leaning so heavily on Rascal, and walked inside. She wanted to devour the fresh pastries in her hands, but she would refrain...mostly. If Mr. Pearlily and his lawyer thought Wynona wouldn’t eat at all during their little chat, they were dead wrong. She needed something and Daemon’s sweet gesture was just the ticket.
As usual, Wynona sat in a chair by Chief Ligurio and Rascal stood just behind her shoulder. Want one? she asked him.
Rascal subtly shook his head. Later.
She nodded and took one out, then froze, realizing the weight that was usually sitting on her shoulder was gone. Violet?
My pocket, Rascal offered, still keeping his head toward Mr. Pearlily and Mr. Muskgaver. She fell asleep.
Wynona let out a small sigh of relief, then delicately bit into her food. It was a credit to Chief Ligurio that he didn’t even flinch at the fact that she was eating during an interview, obviously recognizing how much Wynona needed some sustenance.
He did, however, give her a sideways look and raise his eyebrows as if to ask if she were ready.
Wynona nodded, her mouth too full to answer.
Clearing his throat, Chief Ligurio began speaking in the official tone he used in public. “Mr. Pearlily,” the vampire began. “You understand that we’re searching for your wife in connection with the murders...”
Mr. Pearlily scoffed and folded his large arms over his chest. “I don’t know how anyone could think my wife would have anything to do with this mess. You’re barking up the wrong tree, Ligurio.” The fairy’s eyes drifted to Rascal. “Sorry, guess that applies more to you, huh?”
Wynona sent calming vibes immediately when she heard Rascal growl. Really, the dog jokes from other people were getting tiresome. Could no one think of anything new? Poor Rascal always seemed to be the one picked on when it came to low blow insults.
Good thing I can handle it, he replied to her thoughts.
Good thing you didn’t growl in response.
He has to learn that I’m the predator...not him.
Wynona mentally shook her head. Wolves...
“Are you aware that your daughter has confirmed our suspicions?” Chief Ligurio asked casually.
Mr. Pearlily stilled and his lawyer jumped into action.
“Chief Ligurio, unless you have solid proof, I suggest you be careful with your accusations,” the small creature said hesitantly.
“We have the evidence we need for the courtroom,” Chief Ligurio said, moving on as if the information wasn’t important, though the way Mr. Pearlily blanched, said remark had completed its goal. “But what I want to talk about is you, Mr. Pearlily. The night of Dralo’s murder, you told us that you were home with your wife.” Chief Ligurio typed on his computer, not really going anywhere, but appearing to be pulling up information. “We have information that says otherwise and wanted to allow you the opportunity to amend your statement.”
The Pearlily family lawyer stammered. “We...uh...”
Mr. Pearlily’s pale face darkened and he snapped his fingers at the small man, who instantly shut up.
Wynona’s eyebrows went up. Apparently, Mr. Pearlily had more power than she thought.
Leaning forward onto the desk, Mr. Pearlily narrowed his eyes at Chief Ligurio. “Why don’t you tell me what you know and we’ll see what we can work out, hm?”
Chief Ligurio scoffed. “See what we can work out? You think your activities are going to find a way past my desk?”
What’s he talking about? Wynona asked Rascal.
He’s posturing. Hang tight.
Wynona leaned back, hoping she looked confident, even though she was in the middle of eating a croissant and had no idea what was being argued over. What activities? Mr. Pearlily hadn’t told them what he’d been doing.
Mr. Pearlily tapped the desk with his knuckles, looking as if he were weighing his options. Finally, he leaned back. “I don’t think I should say anything else. My...associates...wouldn’t like it.”
“Then we’ll plan on seeing your wife and you in the courtroom,” Chief Ligurio said easily. He closed his laptop and began to stand.
Wynona quickly scrambled to follow, but Mr. Pearlily stopped them.
“I can’t tell you what you want to know.”
Chief Ligurio paused. “But?”
Mr. Pearlily’s eyes darted to Wynona and then back to the chief. A sinking feeling started in her gut. “But there’s someone who will vouch for me.”
No one had missed the look and Chief Ligurio’s jaw clenched in anger. “Then you had better send him my way.” With renewed energy, he stormed out of the room with Wynona and Rascal hot on his heels.
“Your father is into something,” Chief Ligurio said in a tone so low Wynona could barely understand. “His fingers have been in the last two cases and I don’t like it.” They walked into his office. “Shut the door.”
Daemon immediately complied.
“Don’t you have something to do, Skymaw?” Chief Ligurio snapped.
“Ms. Le Doux is my first priority,” Daemon said bravely. “If you recall my promotion and my promise.”
Chief Ligurio huffed but said nothing more.
Wynona was glad for the company. “You’re right, Chief,” she said, sitting down and settling the box of pastries on the desk. “Though, I can’t imagine what it is. Celia mentioned as much when we talked about her leaving the family. He sent her on several odd errands. She delivered envelopes, and later some of the families had noticeable problems.”
Chief Ligurio rubbed his forehead and pushed his hair out of his face. His usual pristine appearance had disappeared several hours ago. “We’ll come back to that later. I don’t have enough information to pursue anything and right now there’s a murderer on the loose who needs to be brought in.” He sighed. “However, what that conversation does tell me is that Mr. Pearlily was covering for himself that night. I don’t think he had any idea his wife didn’t stay at home like a good little prisoner.”
“Agreed,” Rascal added. “His attention has been on his business. It was probably why he was so slow in discovering all the problems with his daughter.”
Wynona nodded. “Mrs. Pearlily, who was always around and had nothing else to draw her attention, is the one who noticed and took action.” Wynona made a face. “Unethical action, but action nonetheless. She might have even figured that her husband wouldn’t notice any of her activities because he was so focused on whatever this thing is with my dad.”
“If Pearlily and President Le Doux are getting together, I think it’s safe to say other big figures in the community are involved as well,” Rascal said softly, his eyes on Wynona.
She nodded. Sometimes she really resented being part of that family. “I think you’re right.”
He gave her a little wink. “Of course.”
Wynona smiled back. She had missed his winking.
Chief Ligurio tapped a pencil against his desk. “I think we’ve rehashed things enough tonight. We’ve got watches all over the city and beyond. There’s no one else to talk to and we’ve pounded all our evidence until I don’t want to hear it anymore.” He stood. “I’m going home to sleep. I suggest you do the same.”
Wynona was slower to climb to her feet. The short sugar burst from the croissant was already fading. “I think I could use some rest myself.”
“Prepare yourself, Ms. Le Doux,” Chief Ligurio said as he held open the door. “This case might almost be over, but I have a feeling something else is just beginning.”
Hating the fact that he was right, Wynona only nodded as she walked out the door.
“And it probably wouldn’t hurt to tell your sister as well.”
The words were so soft that Wynona stumbled slightly, trying to stop and listen, but instinct told her not to acknowledge the comment. Chief Ligurio and Celia had been a thing at one point in time, but family politics had put a wedge wider than Spell Summit between them. Now they butted heads like two centaurs in a fight ring.
Chief Ligurio’s comment, however, told Wynona what she had suspected for a while. Those feelings were far from dead, though neither of the people involved would admit it any time soon.
“I’m driving you home,” Rascal warned her. “And sleeping on your couch.”
Wynona started to protest, but he put up his hand.
“Until Mrs. Pearlily is behind bars, I’m not leaving you unprotected.” He shrugged. “Or at least until your magic is more reliable.”
Wynona nodded. “Thank you,” she said softly. Leaning around him, she smiled at Daemon. “And thank you. I’ll see you soon.”
Daemon gave her a mock salute as Rascal took her hand. Wynona let herself be led safe and protected in Rascal’s company. She didn’t want to think anymore, didn’t want to feel. She simply wanted to give into the exhaustion calling her name. She’d deal with the full fallout later today, after a much needed date with her bed.