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Maddie and Suzanne decided to gather everyone together and tell them the awful news.
Maddie guarded Hailey’s bedroom while Suzanne knocked on everybody’s door, telling them there was an emergency and to assemble in the great room ASAP.
Trixie stayed by Maddie’s side, occasionally glancing up at her, but otherwise keeping her thoughts and feelings to herself.
Finally, Suzanne came over to Maddie, just as she saw Linda troop down the staircase.
“I could stay at the top of the stairs while you tell them,” Maddie suggested. “That way, no one will have access to Hailey’s room.”
“Good idea.” Suzanne nodded. Then she hesitated. “But are you sure you’ll be okay up here?”
“I’ll have Trixie with me.” She looked down at her familiar in confirmation.
“Mrrow!”
“And then we better start looking for Autumn,” Suzanne added.
“And make sure we all stay together while we do,” Maddie said. “It would be very easy for someone to double back and come up here to the crime scene.”
“What if they realize they’ve left some evidence behind?” Suzanne shuddered. “Got your phone?”
“Yes.”
“If anyone leaves the great room, I’ll text you. If they come up the stairs, call me and I’ll come running. And I’ll make sure everyone else does, too.”
“Okay.” Maddie touched her friend’s arm, grateful for Suzanne’s support. She really didn’t want to face a potential killer alone – even with Trixie by her side. Although she now had five spells under her belt, she’d never expect anything bad to happen during this catering job.
Was she jinxed?
She glanced down at Trixie, who definitely moved her head slightly in the negative.
That was a relief.
Maddie pulled her phone out of her pocket and checked that it was on.
“We’ll be ready and waiting.” She summoned a smile.
Suzanne nodded, then clattered down the staircase.
“Is everyone here?” she heard Suzanne’s voice.
A chorus of ragged yeses sounded in the distance.
Maddie and Trixie walked over to the top of the staircase. She could just see into the great room from here, but couldn’t really make out anyone.
Maddie and Trixie listened as they faintly heard Suzanne tell everyone the sad news about Hailey. There was a short silence, then it sounded as if everyone was speaking at once.
Suzanne cut them short. “And now we need to search for Autumn. Maddie and I can’t find her, and although the sheriff’s department is on their way, Autumn needs to know what’s going on.”
There was a noise coming from the hallway. Maddie watched Suzanne hurry out of the great room and head down the hall.
“Autumn!” she exclaimed.
Maddie and Trixie stared at each other, then ran down the stairs.
The group leader stood in the hallway, her hair askew, her cheeks flushed, and her tie-dyed outfit of green t-shirt and skirt looking the worse for wear.
“What happened?” Maddie’s eyes widened.
“I went out for a walk this morning.” Autumn caught her breath. “The power is still out and I wanted to see if the storm had done any damage outside. And it has.”
“Have you heard about Hailey?” Brenda came up to them. “What are we going to do?”
“What about Hailey?” Autumn frowned.
“Suzanne said she’s dead,” Brenda blurted out.
“What?” Autumn’s shocked gaze swung to Suzanne.
“It’s true,” Maddie said quietly. She glanced behind her. No one was creeping up the stairs. She told Autumn about Jenna’s visit to their bedroom that morning.
“I better see for myself.” Autumn rushed past them.
“No!” Suzanne caught her arm. “The emergency operator told us not to touch anything. Maddie was guarding the room, but she came downstairs when she heard you arrive.”
“Yes. Good.” Autumn stilled, as if collecting her thoughts. “You did the right thing, girls. Obviously we must not contaminate the crime scene – if it is a crime.”
Maddie and Suzanne looked at each other.
“She was smothered,” Maddie said quietly.
“Oh.” Autumn drummed her finger against her lips.
There was silence for a moment. Edith, Jenna, and Linda emerged from the great room.
“You said something about the storm doing damage outside?” Maddie prompted.
“That’s right.” Autumn seemed to come back to them. “There’s a huge oak tree down across the driveway. I’m afraid we won’t be able to leave here yet.”
“What?” Jenna asked. Her face looked red and splotchy, as if she’d been crying.
“We’ll have to wait until the sheriff arrives,” Autumn told the soccer mom. “And see what he suggests.” She looked at all of them. “I suggest we wait in the great room for now.”
Linda and Brenda nodded.
“Obviously, this has been very distressing for all of us,” Autumn said as she followed everyone into the room. She looked over at Jenna. “Especially for Jenna.”
The soccer mom nodded. “We were so close,” she whispered. “We did practically everything together.”
“I’m so sorry.” Linda put her arm around Jenna’s shoulder. “I can’t even imagine what you must be feeling right now.”
Sympathetic murmurs of support ensued.
Autumn turned to Maddie and Suzanne. “I don’t suppose there’s any coffee?” she looked at them hopefully. “Perhaps that will help us all to focus better.”
“Of course.” Maddie nodded. “I’ll get it started right away.”
“I’ll come with you.” Suzanne followed Maddie and Trixie out of the room.
“What are we going to do, Mads?” Suzanne asked when they were alone in the kitchen. “This has turned out to be a mess – just like our first catering job.”
“Trixie says I’m not jinxed.” Maddie tried to cheer up her friend.
“Mrrow!”
Suzanne stared at the two of them. “But maybe I am!”
“Broomf!”
“I think Trixie just disagreed with you,” Maddie said.
“Thanks, Trix.” Suzanne gave the Persian a wan smile.
“Let’s get this French Roast going.” Maddie heated the water and scooped coffee into the pot.
Her phone rang just as the water finished boiling.
She checked the screen – Luke! Her pulse raced as she took the call.
“I’m fine,” she told him. “We’re fine.” She glanced at Suzanne. Oops. Technically she, Trixie, and Suzanne were fine. Hailey was not.
“Really?” She nodded, although she knew Luke couldn’t see her. “Yes, that’s why I couldn’t get a signal last night. Okay, will do.” Heat touched her cheeks. “I’ll see you then.”
“Well?” Suzanne asked impatiently. “What did my brother say?”
“He was worried when I didn’t call him last night, but he couldn’t get through to me either. The storm hit Estherville as well.”
“I hope Ramon got home in time.” Suzanne looked concerned.
“I’m sure he did.” Maddie tried to reassure her friend. “But didn’t he ask you to call him this morning, anyway?”
“That’s right.” Suzanne brightened and dug out her phone from her pocket. “Did my brother say anything else?”
“He’s invited me over to his place for dinner Monday night.” Maddie knew her blush hadn’t faded.
“Ooooh!” Suzanne grinned. She looked down at Trixie and then back at Maddie. “Is Trixie invited too?”
“Mrrow?” Trixie looked up hopefully.
Maddie knew Trixie liked Luke, which was a relief. She couldn’t see herself dating anyone her cat disapproved of.
“I think it’s people food only, Trix.” She tried to let her familiar down gently.
“Broomf!” Trixie’s mouth settled into a pout.
“I guess that means it won’t be an overnight date.” Suzanne’s tone was mischievous.
“Suzanne!” Maddie mock-punched her friend. “We’re not up to that stage.” Now she felt guilty that she hadn’t told Luke about Hailey. But she hadn’t wanted him to worry.
“Knowing how slowly you and my brother move, I might be eighty by the time you two decide to get married.” Suzanne giggled, then quickly sobered. “Let me call Ramon, and then I’ll help you carry in the coffee.”
After Suzanne’s short phone call to Ramon, she looked a lot happier as she pushed the phone back into her pocket.
“He’s fine.” She loaded up the tray with cups.
“I’m glad,” Maddie said, suddenly wondering if she’d even be able to have dinner with Luke on Monday. Would they be allowed to go home by then? Or would the sheriff’s department expect everyone to stay in this house while they investigated Hailey’s death?
She shivered.
“I didn’t tell Ramon about the – about Hailey,” Suzanne confessed.
“I didn’t tell Luke either.”
They exchanged an unhappy glance, then took the loaded-up coffee tray into the great room.
***
“OH, AUTUMN.” AS SOON as Maddie entered the great room, she remembered an important question she needed to ask. “Do you have keys to all the bedrooms?”
Maybe she should have waited until she had a moment alone with the other woman, but she was already scolding herself for not asking sooner.
“Yes.” Autumn looked puzzled. “Why?”
“We should lock Hailey’s room,” Suzanne said.
“Mrrow.”
Maddie scanned the room. Everyone seemed to be present – Autumn, Linda, Brenda, Edith, and Jenna.
“Excellent idea.” Autumn burrowed into her capacious bag by her feet. It was made of leather patchwork in hues of purple and orange. She pulled out a large set of old-fashioned keys. “I think you’ll have to try each key until one fits. That’s what I did this morning.” Autumn passed the keys to Maddie.
“Thanks.” Maddie hurried up the stairs, Trixie by her side.
As she reached Hailey’s room, she looked over her shoulder. No one was in sight, and she could hear the attendees talking in the great room. Suzanne had stayed behind to serve the coffee.
“Now the room will be preserved,” she said softly to her familiar as she found the correct key and locked the door. “Unless ...” What if Autumn was the killer and Maddie gave the keys back to her? But surely the sheriff's department would take charge of the keys once they arrived.
If they arrived.
She glanced at her watch. It seemed ages since she’d reported Hailey’s death. Was the aftermath of the storm hampering their progress?
“Mrrow,” Trixie said softly.
Seconds later, there was a knock on the front door, so loud she could hear it on the second floor.
“Maybe it’s the sheriff,” she told Trixie as they ran down the stairs.
A male voice reached her ears. Surely it wasn’t ...
“Detective Edgewater,” she heard the stranger introduce himself.
A portly man in his sixties with hair more salt than pepper stood in the hallway talking to Autumn. He was dressed in plain clothes – a worn brown suit with a white shirt, and a navy tie slightly askew at the neck.
Suzanne came out of the great room.
“Detective Edgewater!”
“Suzanne.” He looked surprised to see her. Then his gaze flickered to Maddie and Trixie. “I should have known.” He did not look happy.
“We’re catering this retreat,” Maddie told him.
“And I suppose you two found the ... discovered what happened.” He glanced at Autumn.
“I believe so, detective,” she replied.
Maddie, Trixie, and Suzanne had been involved in a few murder investigations in the past, and Detective Edgewater had been assigned to each case. He was stationed in Estherville but Maddie hadn’t met him before the death of one of her customers several months ago.
“We’ll have to process the scene, but we won’t be able to take the victim away until we can get the tree removed from the drive,” he informed them. “I’ve called for an emergency crew to come out now, so hopefully the driveway will be clear later today.”
“Here are the keys to Hailey’s room.” Maddie held out the old-fashioned keyring to him.
“Thank you.” He glanced at it, then placed it in his pocket.
“Has anyone been in the room since you discovered what happened?” He looked directly at Maddie.
“Not that I know of,” she replied. “I was guarding the door, but I came downstairs when Autumn returned.”
“I think everyone was with me until just before you arrived, detective,” Autumn remarked. “Maddie and Suzanne were in the kitchen making coffee. Trixie, too.” She looked down at the cat and gave her a fond smile. “Then Maddie and Suzanne went upstairs to secure the room.”
“I don’t suppose you’d have some spare coffee?” Detective Edgewater looked hopeful.
“Of course,” Autumn replied. “I’m sure Maddie can make you a fresh pot.”
“It’s French Roast, detective,” Maddie told him.
“Not one of your cappuccinos?”
“No. But it’s organic.”
“Maybe I’ll pass.” He looked disappointed.
A sheriff’s deputy came up to him. Detective Edgewater handed him the keyring, and the officer started up the stairs.
“Second door on the left,” Autumn called after him.
“Maddie and Suzanne, I’ll start with you.” Detective Edgewater turned to Autumn. “Is there a room where I can take statements?”
“There’s a study next door.” The group leader nodded to a closed door near the great room. “It’s not locked.”
Maddie, accompanied by Trixie, told Detective Edgewater everything she could think of.
“Did anything unexpected happen last night?” he probed.
Maddie cast her mind back, closing her eyes.
“Yes! Claudine was here.”
“Claudine Claxton?” He wrote something down in his notebook.
“Mrrow!”
“Yes. She was ...” Maddie hesitated “... upset that she wasn’t doing the catering.” She didn’t want to deliberately get her nemesis in trouble and didn’t think Claudine had anything to do with Hailey’s death, but Claudine’s appearance at the workshop was unusual.
“Hmm.” Detective Edgewater wrote something else down. “Anyone else here yesterday who’s not here now?”
Maddie paused. “Ramon,” she said reluctantly. “He’s a masseur and has a salon in Estherville.”
Detective Edgewater nodded, then turned the page of his notebook, the paper rustling.
“And what time did he leave?”
“Just before dinner,” Maddie said. She racked her brains, but she wasn’t sure what time it had been and told the detective that.
The loud buzz of a chainsaw split the air. Maddie looked out the window. A man in a bright orange vest attacked the fallen tree.
“Good.” Detective Edgewater sounded satisfied as he, too, glanced out the window. “We should be able to get access soon.”
“How did you get to the house?” Maddie asked curiously.
“We had to park as close as we could to the drive and climb over the stone fence.” He grimaced.
The detective wrapped up the interview, reminding Maddie to let him know if she thought of anything else she’d seen or heard. Then he asked to see Suzanne next.
Maddie waited in the hall until Suzanne was finished.
“He inquired about Ramon.” Suzanne looked worried as she rushed up to her friend.
“I told Detective Edgewater he was here.” Guilt stabbed Maddie.
“It was the right thing to do,” Suzanne said in resignation. “One of the attendees or Autumn would have mentioned him being here, anyway,” she said. “But he didn’t do it, Mads!”
“I’m sure he didn’t,” Maddie soothed. What possible motive could Ramon, the sexy Spanish masseur have? Unless he was already acquainted with Hailey? But Maddie hadn’t noticed her around Estherville – which didn’t mean anything, she told herself. It’s not as if Maddie was able to keep track of everyone in Estherville, including visitors – nor did she want to.
“Should I call Ramon and warn him?” Suzanne asked, grabbing her phone out of her pocket.
“What did Detective Edgewater say?” Maddie asked.
“He didn’t say I couldn’t.”
“Oh!” Brenda came out of the great room. “I’m sorry. I wanted to get a glass of water.”
“I’ll get it for you,” Maddie offered.
“Have you two been interviewed yet?” the middle-aged woman asked curiously.
“Yes,” Suzanne answered.
“I’ve never spoken to a detective before,” Brenda told them.
“Detective Edgewater is fair,” Maddie replied. “Let me get that water for you.”
“I don’t mind getting it myself.” Brenda smiled. Then her expression drooped and she cast a glance back at the great room. “Jenna’s taking Hailey’s death very hard, poor thing. She said she doesn’t know how she’s going to break the news to Hailey’s husband and children.”
“Won’t Detective Edgewater do that?” Suzanne asked.
“That’s what I said.” Brenda nodded. “Or another officer. But Jenna said they’d be sure to have questions and would want answers, especially since she was there, so to speak.”
“That is awful,” Maddie murmured.
Brenda accompanied them to the kitchen, looking around with interest.
“I wouldn’t mind having a kitchen like this myself.” She made a face. “Right now I’m living in a two bedroom apartment, but I’m house hunting. Once I find the right place, I think I’ll get a cat.” The thought seemed to cheer her.
“Mrrow!” Trixie seemed to approve.
“You are so pretty.” Brenda smiled down at the feline.
Trixie preened and brushed against Brenda’s slacks, before padding out of the kitchen.
“I wonder where she’s going?” Suzanne crinkled her brow.
“I better go see.” Maddie handed Brenda a glass of water and hurried after her familiar.
Trixie reached the great room, turned her head to check if Maddie was following, then sauntered in.
Perhaps Trixie wanted Maddie to listen in on the conversation happening right now? She could hear voices, particularly Autumn’s and Jenna’s.
“Would anyone like more coffee?” Maddie asked. She noted that Trixie was sitting on the sofa next to Autumn.
“Not for me, dear,” Autumn replied. She looked around the room. “Anyone?”
Jenna and Edith shook their heads.
“Was talking to the detective scary?” Edith asked shyly. She wore similar clothes to the day before, a shapeless skirt and top, both in beige.
“No.” Maddie shook her head. “Just be honest with him.”
“I will.” Edith nodded.
“Linda’s in with him now,” Autumn informed Maddie.
The harsh buzz of the chainsaw continued.
“After he interviews everyone, we’ll have to discuss what to do next,” Autumn continued.
“I can’t wait to go home. I don’t know how I can stay here any longer.” Jenna’s voice wobbled. “I can’t believe this has happened! Poor Hailey.” She buried her face in her hands.
Maddie looked at the soccer mom sympathetically until a raindrop splashing on the window caught her attention. The sky still looked overcast – was it darker than when she woke up that morning?
“Edith?” Detective Edgewater appeared in the doorway. “Come with me.”
Edith looked scared as she followed him out of the room.
“I’m glad that’s over with.” Linda plonked herself on the sofa.
“Where’s Brenda?” Autumn asked.
“In the kitchen with Suzanne,” Maddie told her.
“She’ll be the last person to be interviewed.” Autumn sighed.
Maddie wondered if it was a good idea that Brenda and Suzanne were alone. Suzanne had been interviewed and Brenda hadn’t. But she was confident Suzanne wouldn’t say anything to influence Brenda.
“Maybe we should all stay in the same room,” Autumn spoke. “Just in case.”
The unspoken words hung in the air.
Detective Edgewater hadn’t told Maddie whether it had been an intruder – or not. She supposed the crime scene techs hadn’t had a chance to process anything yet, or determine the point of entry – if Hailey’s death was the work of a stranger. The techs mightn’t have turned up at the house yet. Maddie hadn’t heard anything signaling their appearance.
She glanced at her familiar.
“Mrrow,” Trixie said softly, from her place on the sofa. It sounded like “No” to her.
Brenda appeared in the doorway, carrying a glass of water. Suzanne trailed behind her.
A short while later, Edith entered the great room, a relieved expression on her face.
“Brenda, Detective Edgewater asked for you to go in,” she murmured to the middle-aged woman.
“Okay.” Brenda got up reluctantly from the sofa.
“How was it, Edith?” Autumn asked sympathetically.
“Not as scary as I expected.” The girl sat down in an armchair. “He was quite nice, really.”
“Good.” Autumn smiled.
Trixie jumped off the sofa and trotted over to Edith. She brushed against the girl’s legs a couple of times, then sat down next to Maddie.
The room was silent for a few moments. If it hadn’t been for the terrible fact that Hailey had died, it would have been quite peaceful, apart from the whiney buzz of the chainsaw outside.
Detective Edgewater entered the room, accompanied by Brenda.
“I’ve finished taking statements for now,” he told them.
“Can we go home?” Jenna jumped to her feet, as if expecting him to say yes.
“No.” He studied her tear-drenched face. “I’m sorry. Not yet.”
“Oh.” She slumped onto the sofa.
“When can we go home?” Linda asked.
“I may have some more questions later,” he informed them. He flipped open his notebook. “Since a couple of you live on the other side of Seattle, it would be a lot easier if you all stayed here for now.”
“But Hailey was murdered!” Jenna leaned forward in her seat.
“We won’t know that for certain until the medical examiner has given their expert opinion.” Detective Edgewater looked uncomfortable. “But the department is able to spare a deputy to stay here – for now.”
His cell phone rang. Excusing himself, he left the room.
A rumble of thunder sounded. Maddie looked out of the window. The sky had darkened and looked similar to yesterday before last night’s storm hit.
When Detective Edgewater came back into the room, he said, “I’m afraid I have to leave now. Something’s come up on one of my other cases. But the ME has arrived and the emergency crew has been able to remove the tree from the driveway.”
“Thank you, detective.” Autumn looked a little relieved. “But what about the workshop? You said we had to stay here a while longer. Should we continue the original workshop until tomorrow afternoon?” She looked around the room, as if assessing everyone’s reaction. “Or should we cut it short?”
“It’s up to you,” Detective Edgewater replied.
A crack of thunder sounded. Maddie realized the buzz of the chainsaw had stopped.
“But there could be another storm on its way,” the detective continued. “And I may need to speak to some of you again. So for now, please stay here.”
“But what if the murderer is one of us?” Jenna wailed. “This is so horrible.” She buried her face in her hands. “What am I going to tell Hailey’s husband?”
There was an awkward silence.
“Lock your doors tonight,” Detective Edgewater looked uncomfortable. “I believe Autumn – your leader – has the keys. And the deputy will stay here with you tonight.”
“Thank you, detective,” Autumn replied.
Maddie heard a commotion at the staircase. She guessed it must be the medical examiner.
“I’ll call later today,” Detective Edgewater said, looking at everyone thoughtfully before departing.
“Well, ladies.” Autumn stood up and clasped her hands. “I think we should continue with our workshop. If there was any time to banish negativity, this is it!”
“True,” Linda said slowly.
“All I can think about is Hailey!” Jenna burst into tears again.
Brenda patted the soccer mom’s back.
“I would suggest we go for a bracing walk outside.” Autumn glanced at the window. “But I don’t think it would be wise if another storm is coming.” Another rumble of thunder sounded, as if on cue.
Footsteps clomped up the stairs, accompanied by a murmur of voices.
Maddie and Suzanne turned to look through the open doorway into the hall.
“Perhaps we should shut the door.” Autumn firmly closed the door. “What about some yoga?” She checked her yellow watch. “And then after lunch we can continue with the afternoon activities I had planned.”
A ragged murmur of assent followed.
Autumn grabbed the yoga mats that had been rolled up and placed in the corner of the room.
“Trixie, would you like to help me lead the class?”
“Mrrow!” Trixie looked pleased at the idea.
The room’s mood brightened a little.
“If Trixie’s going to join in ...” Maddie heard Edith whisper.
“Do we have time for this?” Suzanne asked Maddie. “I know I wasn’t very good at yoga yesterday, but I’ve decided I want to give it another try. But we’ll have to get lunch ready.”
“It’s salad, isn’t it?” At Suzanne’s nod, Maddie continued, “I can fix it. Enjoy the yoga.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.” Maddie smiled at her friend. She didn’t think this form of exercise was her cup of coffee.
“Thanks.” Suzanne touched Maddie’s arm. “I’ll come and help you in the kitchen as soon as it’s finished – or I’m unable to twist myself into any more poses.”
“Deal.” Maddie bent down to Trixie and told her to have fun, then headed toward the kitchen.
She didn’t see anyone in the hall. Perhaps the deputy was helping the medical examiner upstairs? She hoped they had enough food for him if he was staying the night – or maybe he was able to get something delivered?
Right on that thought came another one – they probably did have enough food on hand now they were down one member of the group. She blinked back sudden moisture and took a deep breath.
Maddie opened the refrigerator. Bags of organic salad stared at her from the still cool depths. She set to work, making each plate of greens, tomatoes, and radishes as attractive as possible.
She remembered Suzanne had mentioned a package of bread rolls that were vegan. Apparently, all she had to do was pop them in the gas oven and they’d have freshly baked bread. Her mouth started to water at the thought.
After pre-heating the oven, Maddie found a cookie tray and placed the par-baked rolls on it.
Once lunch was over, she wondered if she should suggest to Suzanne that they start a suspect list. She thought her friend would jump at the chance. They’d done the same thing before when they’d encountered a dead body.
If Hailey’s death was murder and an intruder hadn’t killed her, it meant that someone in this house had – Autumn, Jenna, Edith, Brenda, or Linda. The thought sent icy chills down her spine. She wished Trixie was with her right now.
As if her familiar had been able to discern her thoughts, an image popped into Maddie’s mind. Trixie was sitting on her bottom next to Autumn, her hind legs wide apart and her front paws between them.
Maddie smiled. Was that a yoga pose the Persian had invented? She wondered if Autumn was allowing the cat to make up the poses and was copying her moves?
Just then, Suzanne burst into the kitchen.
“Phew!” She mopped her brow dramatically. “My arms and legs refused to co-operate any more. I don’t know how Trixie does it.”
“She just showed me what she was up to,” Maddie admitted.
“Oh! You mean she sent you a telepathic image of herself?”
Maddie described Trixie’s yoga pose that had popped into her mind.
Suzanne giggled. “Yes, she was doing that a couple of minutes ago. I did it too, and then I was worried I wouldn’t be able to get up off the floor!”
“The salad’s all ready.” Maddie gestured with a smile to the plates on the kitchen counter.
The oven timer dinged.
“And the rolls.” Maddie had almost forgotten about them, first thinking about the murder and then about her familiar’s enthusiasm for yoga.
“Awesome!” Suzanne grabbed an oven cloth and pulled the tray out of the oven. “Thank goodness this oven is gas and not electric!”
The smell of freshly baked bread wafted through the room.
“Mmm.” Suzanne looked like she wanted to eat a hot roll right away.
“I guess we should start taking the food in.”
Last night they’d cleared the dining room and laid the table for breakfast. With a start, Maddie realized nobody had had breakfast that morning.
Suzanne’s stomach growled. She put a hand on her belly and looked embarrassed.
“Sorry,” she apologized.
“Mine will probably do that in a minute,” Maddie admitted.
They took the plates into the dining room. Autumn swept into the room, looking at the table with approval.
“Wonderful job, girls.” She smiled at them.
Trixie trotted in behind her, looking pleased to see Maddie.
“Mrrow.”
“Trixie is such a dear.” Autumn bent to stroke the Persian. “And she was a great help with yoga class. I’m sure if she hadn’t participated none of the others would have been keen.”
The other ladies trooped into the dining room.
“I don’t know how I’m going to eat anything,” Jenna mumbled.
“Hailey would want you to keep up your strength,” Linda said in a soothing tone.
“Perhaps we should say a few words in Hailey’s memory,” Autumn suggested as everyone sat at the table.
“Please,” Jenna said. “She would have liked that.”
Autumn bowed her head, her hands tucked in her lap.
“Thank you, Hailey, for sharing your spirit and personality with us. We wish you well on your journey – now and in the future.”
There was silence for a moment. Then everyone started murmuring among themselves.
“This bread roll smells delicious,” Brenda told them as she broke it open. “But I thought we didn’t have electricity.”
“Gas oven.” Suzanne grinned at her.
Trixie stayed by Maddie’s side during the meal. The attendees told Maddie about Trixie’s prowess at yoga, and then asked her if she had any news about the investigation.
“I’m afraid not.” Maddie shook her head. “I haven’t even seen the deputy.”
“I’m sure he’ll say hello when he’s able to,” Autumn commented. “Until then, let’s try to think about the workshop as much as possible.” At Jenna’s unhappy face, she said gently, “I’m sure that’s what Hailey would have wanted.”
“None of you knew Hailey!” Jenna jumped up. “Only I did!” She ran from the room.
Maddie wondered if she should get up and comfort the soccer mom, but Autumn laid a hand on her arm.
“Perhaps we should let her grieve on her own,” the group leader suggested. “This must be very overwhelming for her. She may need time alone to process it all.”
Maddie nodded, forking up a slice of tomato. Perhaps Autumn was right.
Just then, Autumn’s cell phone rang.
All the women stared at the group leader.
“Again, I apologize.” Autumn tossed off a breathless laugh that didn’t sound genuine. She glanced at the screen and paled. “Please excuse me.” The fork clattered on her plate as she pushed back her chair and hurried out of the dining room.
Maddie looked at Suzanne. What was that about?
“I hope Autumn’s okay.” Brenda stabbed a radish. “Her phone’s gone off a couple of times since we’ve been here.”
“And she did tell us yesterday not to turn on our phones during group activities,” Linda added.
“I hope she’s all right,” Edith said softly.
“So do I,” Maddie replied.
A few minutes later, Autumn slid back in her seat.
“How is lunch, ladies?” she asked brightly.
“Delicious,” Linda replied, her tone just as bright as the group leader’s. Perhaps she was embracing positivity?
“I’ve turned my phone off so we won’t be interrupted again,” Autumn continued.
The group leader seemed composed but Maddie wondered if the sheen in her eyes was actually a sign of tears. She glanced down at Trixie who sat on the floor next to her chair.
“Mrrow,” her familiar said softly, as if confirming Maddie’s thought.
Dessert was fresh Van cherries.
Maddie rolled a cherry in her mouth like a lollipop, savoring the sweet, juicy flavor, but being mindful of the stone.
“I thought we could have a session of special breathing,” Autumn announced at the end of the meal. “It will be a wonderful way to banish the negativity here.”
“Should someone check on Jenna?” Brenda asked.
“I’ll go,” Suzanne volunteered. She nudged Maddie.
“Me too,” Maddie found herself saying.
“Mrrow,” Trixie agreed.
“I’m sure Jenna will feel better if you visit her, Trixie.” Autumn’s face softened as she looked at the Persian.
“And then we’ll do the lunch dishes,” Maddie said.
They excused themselves from the dining room.
“Don’t you think it’s weird Autumn keeps getting these phone calls?” Suzanne whispered once they were near the staircase.
“She’s only had a few that we know of,” Maddie said mildly. “But you’re right, it is a bit strange, especially since she expects everyone else to turn off their cell phones while they’re here.”
“Mrrow,” Trixie commented, scampering up the stairs.
There was no sign of the crime scene techs or medical examiner. Perhaps they had left before or during lunch.
When they reached Jenna’s room, Maddie spied a deputy sitting on a chair outside Hailey’s room.
“Look.”
“Hi.” Suzanne smiled and waved at him.
The forty-something man nodded back, looking a little uncomfortable.
There was crime scene tape stretched across the bedroom door.
“I guess no one will be getting into Hailey’s room,” Suzanne commented as she knocked on Jenna’s door.
A few seconds later the door opened. A tear-stained Jenna stared at them.
“We just wanted to check that you were okay,” Maddie said awkwardly.
Jenna sniffed. “No, I’m not.”
“Can we come in?” Suzanne asked.
“Mrrow?” Trixie asked.
“Oh, Trixie.” Jenna smiled wanly. “I suppose so.”
“Would you like us to bring you lunch?” Maddie asked, feeling guilty she hadn’t thought about it before.
“No, I’m fine. It’s probably blasted salad again, anyway,” Jenna replied gloomily.
“You’re right,” Suzanne said. “But we had fresh rolls with it and those delicious cherries from last night.”
“Oh.” Jenna seemed to perk up. “Perhaps I could eat a roll – and some cherries.”
“Okay.” Maddie smiled sympathetically at the soccer mom.
“Have I missed anything?” Jenna sat on the single bed.
“Not much.” Suzanne shook her head. “Did you see the deputy down the hall?”
“No.” Jenna’s eyes widened. “Where is he?”
“Guarding Hailey’s room,” Maddie replied.
Trixie wandered around, sniffing at the armoire, then turning her attention to the space under the bed.
“I don’t think your cat will find anything under there,” Jenna remarked.
“Not even dust bunnies?” Suzanne giggled.
A couple of minutes later, Maddie, Trixie, and Suzanne said goodbye and headed to the kitchen.
“I’ll take up Jenna’s lunch,” Maddie said as she put a bread roll and a big handful of cherries onto a white china plate.
“I’ll start clearing up.” Suzanne pouted. “I didn’t think there’d be so many dishes to do this weekend.”
“I know.” Maddie put Jenna’s platter on a tray.
“Mrrow?”
“Do you want to visit the special breathing class?” Maddie asked her familiar.
Trixie tilted her head to one side. “Mrrow,” she finally said in the affirmative.
“Maybe she’s curious,” Suzanne said. “It’s a shame she can’t help us with the dishes.” She snapped her fingers. “Or cast a spell that does them for us!” She bent down to the Persian. “Can you do that, Trix? Can you use magic to make all the dishes clean again?”
Trixie scrunched up her face as if she thought Suzanne’s request was silly. She waved her plumy tail in the air as she padded out of the room.
“I guess Trixie doesn’t like doing the dishes, either.” Maddie couldn’t help laughing. Suzanne joined in.
“When you get back, and we’ve cleaned up, we better make a suspects’ list.” Suzanne’s eyes shone with sleuth-like eagerness.
“That’s what I was going to say to you!”
“I know there’s a deputy, but Mads, it is a bit creepy staying here after what happened to Hailey.”
“I know.” Maddie touched her friend’s arm.
After Maddie took Jenna’s lunch to her, she returned to the kitchen and helped Suzanne with the dishes. When everything was clean and tidy, they sat down at the kitchen counter.
“We’ll have to make our list on this.” Suzanne dug out her phone.
A large crack of lightning illuminated the kitchen. Maddie and Suzanne stared at each other.
Heavy rain pelted the roof and windows.
“Looks like we’re stuck here,” Suzanne said gloomily.
“We couldn’t leave anyway,” Maddie told her. “We signed a contract, remember? And it wouldn’t feel right leaving Autumn in the lurch.”
“I know.” Suzanne sighed. “There’s something going on with her, though, don’t you think? And there’s something going on with her and Trixie.”
“What do you mean?” Maddie crinkled her brow.
“Like I said earlier, maybe Autumn is another familiar or an intuitive or something.” Suzanne’s ponytail swished. “She seems very taken with Trixie.”
“Trixie does have that effect on people,” Maddie replied.
“Definitely. But this just seems a bit different, like Trixie knows somehow that Autumn needs her.”
“Does she?” Maddie stared at her friend. Trixie wasn’t thinking of leaving her for Autumn, was she? Maddie told herself not to be silly.
But sometimes she couldn’t help wondering where Trixie had lived before Maddie had found her – or Trixie had found her. Had she lived with another witch? Was Autumn a witch? Was it time for Trixie to leave Maddie?
She’d met Trixie just over a year ago and the Persian had been helping her come to terms with her witchy powers, although the process was slow going, as it seemed one new spell was revealed to her at every full moon.
What would Maddie do without her sweet cat? She was more than just a familiar – she was Maddie’s best friend, along with Suzanne. Maddie knew she’d be lost without the fluffy white Persian.
“Only while we’re here.” Suzanne patted her shoulder. “What did you think I meant?”
But Maddie couldn’t tell her.
“Everyone knows you and Trixie belong together,” Suzanne continued. “It was meant to be – I mean, she even came into Claudine’s coffee shop while you were working there. It’s obvious she was looking for you.”
Maddie cheered up at her friend’s words.
“I hope so,” she said. But there was still a niggle of worry at the back of her mind. Were she and Trixie truly meant to be together forever?
“Anyway.” Suzanne pressed some buttons on her phone. “Let’s get started. And we can’t take too long or Autumn will wonder what we’re doing.”
“You’re right,” Maddie agreed.
“So – Autumn.” Suzanne typed on the phone.
“Do you think so?”
“I think we should just add everyone who’s still here.” Suzanne looked at her earnestly. “If it wasn’t an intruder, and I have no idea how one got in, it must have been one of us.”
“Unless the intruder was a previous tenant or rented the place out temporarily and kept a key or got a copy made while they were here,” Maddie said. She didn’t want to think about someone in this group being a murderer.
“Ooh, good point.” Suzanne typed some more. “I’ve put that in. So it’s either Autumn, Jenna, Edith, Linda, or Brenda. Or a mysterious intruder or former tenant.”
“I can’t imagine Edith killing anyone,” Maddie said thoughtfully. “She seems so quiet.”
“I know! And she dresses like she’s from another generation.” Suzanne frowned. “But maybe that’s her M.O. Maybe she’s really a hitman in disguise.”
Maddie stared at her friend. “I refuse to believe that.”
“It’s just a theory.” Suzanne shrugged.
“What are you watching or reading at night?” Maddie asked curiously, wondering where Suzanne’s “theory” had come from.
“This and that.” Suzanne airily waved her hand. “You know me, Mads, I like trying out new things.”
“Maybe your new things shouldn’t involve crime stuff,” Maddie joked.
“But we’ve solved four murders already,” Suzanne told her. “I’m sure we can unravel this one, too.”
“Perhaps we should stay out of it,” Maddie said slowly.
“Oh, pooh. Don’t turn all Detective Edgewater on me.” Suzanne screwed up her nose.
“If he finds out ...” Maddie warned.
“I promise we won’t do anything dangerous.” Suzanne made a cross over her heart. “Besides, it’s the full moon tonight. Maybe Wytchcraft for the Chosen will give us a clue as to what to do next.”
Maddie gave in, as she usually did where Suzanne was involved.
“I wonder were Edith and Linda live.” Suzanne tapped the granite counter.
“On the other side of Seattle,” Maddie replied.
“Yes, but I wonder where,” Suzanne mused.
“What about everyone else?” Maddie queried. “Autumn, for instance. Where does she live?”
“Maybe in a hippy enclave.” Suzanne giggled, then sobered. “I like Autumn. I hope she’s not the killer.”
“Me too,” Maddie replied. Was Trixie spending time with a murderer? Or just keeping a stressed woman company? Autumn seemed positive and tranquil on the outside, but Maddie couldn’t help wondering what was really going on with the group leader. Trixie seemed to give her a level of comfort that she needed. If everything was fine in Autumn’s life, would the group leader need solace from a cat – even if that cat was Trixie?
“I’m putting Claudine on our suspect list.” Suzanne stabbed at her phone.
“Do you really think she did it?” Maddie asked. Much as she didn’t like the curmudgeonly woman, she didn’t really think Claudine would have come back later that night to kill Hailey.
“But what if they knew each other?” Suzanne pursed her lips.
“How? Hailey was a soccer mom like Jenna. As far as we know, Claudine is single and doesn’t have kids.”
Suzanne shrugged. “They could have met somewhere, had a fight, and Claudine recognized her yesterday when she was making that scene about Autumn not hiring her for the catering. She could have returned to the house last night and smothered her with the pillow!”
“But why?” Maddie asked skeptically. “And would Claudine really have gone out into that storm? She could have been struck by lightning.”
“There is that, I suppose,” Suzanne said reluctantly, just as another growl of thunder hit the kitchen. She shivered. “I wouldn’t want to be outside right now.”
“Me either.” Maddie looked out the window. The rain hammered the roof and the windows. She just hoped another tree wouldn’t fall down and block access to the main road. Tomorrow (Sunday) was the last day of the retreat, and on Monday, she and Suzanne would be opening Brewed from the Bean at the town square in Estherville, just like usual. Unless the weather was as bad as it was right now.
“Maybe we should join Autumn and everyone else.” Suzanne put her phone on the counter.
“But ...” Maddie hesitated. Should she say anything?
“What?” Suzanne peered at her.
“Ramon,” Maddie blurted out.
“What about him?” Suzanne frowned.
Maddie gestured to the phone. “Shouldn’t he be on our suspect list?” She waited for the explosion.
“No,” Suzanne said defensively. “Why? We know he didn’t do it. He wasn’t even here!”
“I’m sure he’s innocent,” Maddie attempted to soothe her friend, wishing now she hadn’t brought it up. “But you’ve put Claudine on the suspect list ...” her voice trailed off.
“Okay,” Suzanne grumbled, punching buttons on the phone. “I’ll put Ramon on our list. And then I’m going to cross him off immediately. I can’t imagine him doubling back to kill Hailey.”
“But you can imagine Claudine doing that?” Maddie asked wryly. She didn’t like her ex-boss, but she really didn’t think her nemesis was guilty. But if Claudine wasn’t, who was? It seemed unfathomable that one of the women currently in the great room had smothered Hailey to death.
“All right.” Suzanne’s shoulders sagged. “I get what you’re saying, Mads. I won’t cross him off the list. But I’m not going to question him either – not yet, anyway.”
“Deal,” Maddie said, still feeling a little guilty she’d brought up the topic.
“Anyway.” Suzanne brightened. “I’m sure Detective Edgewater will be able to prove Ramon didn’t do it.”
“I hope so,” Maddie replied, wondering if the sexy Spanish masseur had known Hailey previously. But from the little interaction she’d seen between the two of them, it hadn’t seemed like it.
“Girls.” Autumn’s voice floated down the hallway. “Could you make us some French Roast please?”
Maddie hurried into the hallway. Autumn stood outside the great room.
“Of course,” Maddie replied.
“Thank you.” Autumn smiled. “And make sure you and Suzanne have a cup with us, too. The coffee will be a great help for this situation.”
Maddie nodded and returned to the kitchen, finding Suzanne had already put the water on to heat.
“We better hurry and give them the coffee.” Suzanne rummaged in the fridge. “And my health balls! I bet those will cheer them up.”
Once the coffee was ready, they carried everything in to the great room.
Maddie scanned the room, looking for Trixie. Her familiar jumped up from the sofa where she’d been sitting with Autumn, and trotted to her.
“Mrrow!” She seemed pleased to see Maddie.
Maddie smiled at her and set the tray down. While Autumn busied herself serving everyone, Trixie patted Maddie’s knee. That was one of her signals that she wanted Maddie to pick her up.
“Mrrow,” the Persian said contentedly as she nestled in Maddie’s arms.
The faint niggle of worry in her mind dissolved at the feel of Trixie in her arms. Her soft white fur and small raspy purr was all Maddie needed to be happy right now.
Maddie sat down in an armchair, gently stroking the Persian.
“You two are made for each other.” Autumn gave Maddie and Trixie a warm smile.
Maddie smiled back, relief sweeping through her. Perhaps she’d been a little paranoid before, thinking Trixie might be leaving her for Autumn.
“Ladies, if everyone raises their cup.” Autumn waited expectantly for everyone to do so. Maddie didn’t want to let go of Trixie, who had settled in her arms, so she hoped the group leader would understand and excuse her.
“It is time to banish the darkness!” Autumn stood tall. “Time to banish the negativity!”
Maddie looked around the room. Everyone was there apart from Jenna. She wondered if perhaps taking part in this coffee ceremony would be good for the soccer mom. Or would it make her feel worse?
Linda nodded, her gaze fixed on Autumn.
“Yes!” Brenda said, her expression militant. “No more negativity!”
Edith nodded, but didn’t say anything. She looked like she wanted to take a sip of coffee but was worried it wasn’t the right moment to do so.
“If Hailey’s death has taught us anything, it’s to be positive as much as we can! Enjoy every moment of our lives!” Autumn’s countenance looked downcast for a second. “For we never know when it will be time to journey to the next plane of existence.”
Suzanne and Brenda appeared a little startled at the words.
“And now, we shall drink! Drink to banish negativity! And drink to send out positive vibrations to Hailey, and to wish her well.”
Autumn lifted the cup to her lips and sipped. The other women followed suit – even Suzanne.
Autumn rummaged in the jute bag next to her. “We shall do even more to fill this room with positivity!” She waved a bundle of leaves in the air. “This is a smudge stick.”
Autumn lit the stick and walked around the room, smoke billowing from the stick. Everyone watched, their eyes wide.
“There!” Autumn seemed satisfied as she returned to the attendees. “Breathe in the scent of the sage. The smoke will clear the negativity and encourage positivity once more.”
“Mrrow?” Trixie lifted her head and wrinkled her nose, as if she didn’t care for the smell of the burned sage.
A crack of thunder followed Trixie’s query.
Edith gasped.
“Don’t be scared.” Autumn smiled at the girl. “I’m sure this is nature’s way of cleansing the air. Tomorrow will probably be a beautiful day.”
“Didn’t she say that last night?” Suzanne whispered to Maddie.
After Autumn encouraged everyone to have a few more sips of coffee, she sank down onto the sofa.
“After a few minutes, we can have a special music therapy session.” She pulled out silver triangles from her bag.
“Oh!” Suzanne said. “We used to play them in music class in middle school.”
“I remember.” Maddie smiled. She’d always enjoyed the tinkling sound of the triangle.
Autumn handed everyone a silver instrument as well as a little beater for striking it.
“Make whatever sort of music you like,” the group leader encouraged. “Let your imagination and positivity shine!”
Trixie was still snuggled in Maddie’s arms, but her head turned to see what everyone was doing. She watched Suzanne strike her triangle, a ping! sounding in the room.
“Excellent, Suzanne.” Autumn beamed.
“Mrrow!” Trixie jumped out of Maddie’s lap and ran over to Suzanne, her gaze never leaving the instrument.
“Do you want to try, Trix?” Suzanne bent down and showed the Persian the percussion instrument. “Like this.” As she made to strike the beater on the edge of the silver triangle, Trixie put her paw on top of Suzanne’s hand, so they struck the silver metal together.
“Wonderful!” Autumn clapped her hands in delight. “Watch, everybody!”
The attendees turned their gaze to Trixie and Suzanne, who repeated the motion.
“I’m so getting a cat,” Brenda said.
For the next half hour, tinkly sounds emitted from the great room. Suzanne had lent Maddie the triangle, so Maddie and Trixie had enjoyed striking it together as well. She barely noticed when Edith and Brenda left the room at various times – thinking she might need to visit the bathroom soon as well.
When Maddie thought her ears might continue to hear the chaotic melodies long after the session had finished, she got up to clear the coffee cups.
“I’ll help.” Suzanne appeared by her side.
“I’m going to detour to the bathroom,” Maddie warned her.
“Mind reader.” Suzanne giggled.
Trixie followed them out of the room. They deposited the tray and almost empty plates of health balls in the kitchen. Suzanne looked undecided as she stood at the counter.
“Maybe I should call Ramon. Let him know what happened this morning – with Hailey.”
“I’m sure Detective Edgewater has already told him,” Maddie pointed out gently.
“Yes, but ...” Suzanne’s voice faltered as she scanned the counter. She gave Maddie a wide-eyed gaze. “Have you seen my phone?”
Maddie furrowed her brow. “We were here.” She tapped the kitchen counter. “Making the suspect list.”
“Yeah.” Suzanne’s ponytail swished. “I definitely had it then.”
“Then Autumn called out, remember?” Maddie gestured to the French press. “We made the coffee.”
“I bet it’s in my pocket.” Suzanne dug her hands into her pants pocket. A look of panic swept over her face. “It’s not there.”
“Got any other pockets somewhere?” Maddie knew that sometimes her friend liked wearing pants with hidden compartments.
“No.” Suzanne patted her hips and thighs, as if she was giving herself a security search. “I don’t have my phone on me.”
“There must be a simple explanation,” Maddie said, trying to be positive. Maybe there was something to Autumn’s sessions.
“Yeah. Someone stole my phone!”
