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“You lied?” Wynona asked, her mouth gaping open. Before she could say anything more, the front door opened and loud voices infiltrated the entire shop.
“Delila Caseis!” a deep voice shouted. “We know you’re in here!”
Delila stiffened, but made no attempt to flee. Wynona, however, jumped to her feet, not sure what was happening.
When Rascal’s face appeared first around the corner from the front entry, Wynona blew out a breath and started to relax, but the look on his face said she should do otherwise.
“I’m sorry,” he mouthed, the entryway behind him filling with officers. “Ms. Caseis?” Those golden eyes turned to Delila.
Delila’s head hung down, and she didn’t respond to his call.
“You’re under arrest for the murder of Chef Atherton Droxon.” Stepping to the side, Rascal allowed the men with him to come inside.
One of the officers grabbed Delila’s upper arm and pulled her to her feet before turning her around and winding a glowing thread around her hands.
“Is that really necessary?” Wynona asked. She started to step forward, but a shake of Rascal’s head had her backing up instead. Even without magic, it was clear to see the thread being used was enchanted, and Wynona worried it was painful.
None of this was right. Yes, Wynona had suspected that Delila was lying from the beginning, but deep down, she just didn’t feel like the secretary had killed her boss, uncomfortable workplace or not. Taking the chef’s recipes didn’t seem like something the woman would do. What would she do with them? And what about the thief, Joksac? Even if the doppleganger had been in Chef Droxon’s form, why would Delila have been at the tea shop? From the way the woman looked around when she first arrived, it was clear she had never been in the building before.
“They won’t hurt her unless she tries to escape,” Rascal said softly.
Wynona snapped her head in his direction. She had been so caught up in watching Delila’s reluctant form that she hadn’t heard the shifter approach. Or maybe his wolf side was simply that light on its feet. “What won’t? The thread?”
He nodded. “It’s an old hag hex,” he explained. “As long as she cooperates, she’ll be fine.” For the first time since Wynona had met him, the twinkling humor was gone from Rascal’s face. He looked weary and upset and Wynona felt a pang of concern mixed with pity. It must be hard to have a job where a person saw the worst in humanity at every turn.
“While I’m glad of that,” Wynona whispered, “I think you have the wrong killer.”
The other officers were now ushering the secretary out of the room. Those wide hazel eyes caught Wynona’s before she was gone and Delila shook her head slightly.
No words needed to be exchanged for Wynona to know that Delila was saying she was innocent. Somehow the siren had known this was coming, but that didn’t stop it from being wrong.
“She lied to us about her alibi,” Rascal responded just as quietly, breaking the staredown between Wynona and Delila.
Wynona looked up, resting her hand on Rascal’s arm. “That doesn’t mean she killed him.”
Rascal sighed and pushed a hand through his thick hair. Wynona found her fingertips itching to comb down the strands. There was something so appealing about a man’s messy head, but the sensation was new to Wynona and slightly worrisome. All these new feelings and desires between Roderick and Rascal just reminded Wynona of how inexperienced she was with men.
A loud squeaking sound came from the bookcases and a purple streak darted across the floor. Wynona barely managed to keep herself from jumping when Violet climbed her pants and shirt, coming to rest on Wynona’s shoulder.
The tiny creature nuzzled Wynona’s neck, as if offering comfort, all while chattering in a soft tone.
Rascal grinned. “I’m glad to know you’re not alone around here.”
Wynona rolled her eyes. “I’m starting to feel like I’m never alone.”
“Do you want to be?”
The question stopped her short. While peace and quiet were nice, Wynona knew that the chaotic life she was living with her friends was much better than the outcast lifestyle she had had with her family. She shook her head. “No. I shouldn’t have complained.”
He gave her a half grin. “You weren’t, and I was just curious.” His large hand came up, waiting in the air near her shoulder.
“Oh, she probably won’t—” Wynona’s eyes widened when Violet jumped from her shoulder to Rascal’s outstretched hand.
Rascal chuckled, though the laugh still sounded tired. “I’d ask what happened to you, but the color looks good.”
Violet stood on her hind legs and smoothed down her fur as if it were a fine dress.
Wynona’s eyes widened. Somehow, her little mouse was not only acting a little too human, but it was flirting with Rascal.
Rascal caught Wynona’s astonishment and gave her his usual wink. “It’s the animal in me.”
“But you’re a predator,” Wynona stammered.
“Maybe so, but she can see I’m not a threat.” He looked back at Violet. “Can’t you?”
Violet chittered and curled around herself until she lay in a small pile of fluff in his hand.
“Deputy Chief, sir?”
Rascal looked up.
“We’ve got the suspect in the car.”
If Rascal was embarrassed at having been caught with a purple mouse in his hand and chatting with Wynona, he didn’t show it, though his face did drop the humor from a moment ago. “Good work, Officer Heskill. I’ll be there momentarily.”
Wynona almost smiled at the official way Rascal spoke. He was normally so casual, but she bit back the temptation.
Carefully, he set Violet back on Wynona’s shoulder. “Lucky mouse,” he muttered with a soft smile.
Wynona’s cheeks answered him immediately. She really was going to have to find a way to keep from blushing so often. Maybe another witch could make her a spell? “What are you going to do with Delila?” she asked, changing the subject and keeping herself from fangirling.
“She’ll go through interrogation first,” Rascal said, his smile gone once more.
Wynona mourned its loss. “And then what?”
He shrugged. “That’ll depend on her. We have evidence that puts her at the scene of the crime.”
Wynona didn’t bother pointing out that Delila worked there, so evidence shouldn’t have been hard to come by. “And her motive?”
Rascal rubbed the back of his head. “Look, I gotta go, but you’re welcome to follow if you want.”
Wynona pinched her lips. That was probably a good idea, but she hated being gone from the shop so much. She really should be here getting things ready.
“Wolves.”
The darkly muttered word caused them both to turn. Lusgu was glaring at Rascal from the doorway to the kitchen.
“Lu!” Rascal said loudly, opening his arms wide. “Good to see you, buddy!”
Lusgu shook his head. “Messy, messy, messy.” Spinning on his heel, he was gone before Wynona could say anything.
Rascal laughed. “One of these days, that brownie and I are going to be best friends.”
Wynona rubbed her forehead. Why did it seem like everywhere she turned, she was out of her element?
Rascal stepped away. “You coming?” he asked.
Wynona sighed and nodded. “Yes. If only to talk to your chief about why Delila is innocent.”
Rascal shrugged. “Good luck. Evidence is against her.”
Wynona chose to take her scooter rather than ride in the police vehicle and they were all inside when she arrived.
“Hello, Officer Nightshade,” Wynona said pleasantly. “How are you today?”
The vampire smiled, her white teeth gleaming in the fluorescent lighting of the office. “Good to see you again, Ms. Le Doux,” she said pleasantly. “It appears that this time you have permission to be around.” The officer shuffled some notes. “Deputy Chief Strongclaw said you were to be sent back, no questions asked.”
Wynona felt her neck heat at the sly look Officer Nightshade gave her. “He brought in a friend of mine,” she said, hedging the truth just a little. Delila wasn’t exactly a friend, but acquaintance didn’t have the same ring to it.
Officer Nightshade nodded. “They’re at the end of the hall, last door on the right.”
“Thank you.” Wynona smiled as she walked away, but the pleasantness melted away as she drew closer to the interrogation room. If only she could figure out what she was missing. Delila had mentioned she had lied, but about what? Her alibi? Wynona had already suspected that.
But why lie? And to what extent did she lie? The idea of the secretary taking the recipes still didn’t make any sense. And what about the will? What would Delila gain by taking the will? That was a family matter that had nothing to do with her. Plus, there was the fact that the siren had shown up at Wynona’s tea shop. Again...why? What did Delila think Wynona could help her with? And why was she so insistent that she hadn’t carried on any kind of a relationship with her boss?
Wynona paused with her hand on the doorknob, pulling in a deep breath and forcing her mind to calm. She wouldn’t be any good to anyone if her thought processes were so chaotic she couldn’t see straight.
She had a bunch of bits and pieces, but none of the reasons. Hopefully, if she listened to what was and wasn’t being said, she could start to put tags on what she knew. Then they could figure out that key piece that was keeping them from solving the whole case.
“Knock, knock,” Wynona said in her most polite tone as she pushed open the door.
“Wynona!” Delila cried, jumping up from her chair.
Rascal gave Wynona a welcome look, though the rest of the officers appeared confused by her presence.
She hurried over, grabbing a chair along the way, and sat down, pulling Delila with her. “Now...catch me up on what I missed.”
“I told you they think I killed Atherton.” Delila sniffled.
Three handkerchiefs were thrust in the siren’s face.
“Thank you,” she murmured, grabbing one without looking at the officer who was handing it to her. She wiped her eyes and nose.
Wynona glanced at Rascal, who was seated across the desk from them. When he gave her a subtle nod, she began to ask questions. “Delila, you told me you lied. Tell me what you lied about.”
The siren blinked repeatedly. “I lied about my alibi. I wasn’t at the office the night of the first murder.”
“Where were you?” Wynona tilted her head, trying to meet the other woman’s gaze, but Delila refused to give in.
She shook her head. “I can’t.”
“Can’t or won’t?” Rascal interrupted. He set out some papers on the desk. “Your security footage shows us the building was empty all night.” He raised his eyebrows. “Ms. Caseis, we can’t help you if you don’t cooperate.”
Delila dropped her hands to her lap in a huff. “Help? You’re accusing me of murder! Why would I help you?”
“Delila,” Wynona said, trying to bring down the tension in the room. “Why won’t you tell us where you were?”
Mournful, but determined eyes met Wynona’s and she had to blink a couple of times to keep from getting pulled in. No wonder men made such fools of themselves around sirens. “I wasn’t at your tea shop,” Delila whispered thickly. “I didn’t even know the place existed yet.” She looked pained. “I’m sorry.”
Wynona shook her head. “That doesn’t matter. Can’t you tell us what you were doing?” A thought occurred to Wynona. “Or with whom?”
By the stiff set of Delila’s shoulder, Wynona knew she had hit a nerve.
Her mind churned. Who would Delila have been spending time with? A family member? A boyfriend? The boyfriend seemed likely, but why hide it? Sirens were known for being attractive. It shouldn’t have been a big deal for her to be in a relationship.
Unless the relationship was forbidden.
Saving the thought for another time, Wynona turned back to Rascal. “You said you have evidence against her. Her not being at the office isn’t exactly condemning. Is there something else?”
Rascal sighed and nodded. “Yes.” His eyes flickered between Wynona and Delila, as if he were sorry to have to bring it up. “A search of her home brought us this.” He opened a drawer and set a small black binder on the desk, then pushed it closer to the women.
Delila gasped and Wynona’s eyes widened. She’d seen that before. In the fat fingers of a baker who was trying to protect his legacy.
“I didn’t take that,” Delila cried, her voice shaking. She pointed at the object. “I don’t know how that got in my apartment, but I didn’t put it there.”
Despite being fairly sure herself, Wynona had to ask. “Are you sure that’s Chef Droxon’s binder?”
Without speaking, Rascal opened up the small binder. Inside was a ripped page with what appeared to be a list of ingredients on it, only it was cut off before Wynona could tell exactly what all it contained.
“Delila,” Wynona said breathlessly, shaking her head. “You’ve got to tell them the truth.”
“The truth is that I didn’t kill Atherton,” Delila said through clenched teeth. “I didn’t put that in my apartment. I’m being framed.”
“Where were you?” Wynona asked more forcefully. She had a feeling that Delila’s real alibi would reveal everything, but the woman was being exceedingly stubborn.
Before Delila could respond, the door to Rascal’s office slammed open. “You,” Chief Ligurio snarled, looking at Wynona. He crooked a slim, white finger. “Come with me.” His eyes shifted to Rascal. “You too, Deputy Chief, if you value your job.”
Without another word, the vampire turned and was gone, his footsteps a whisper in the noisy office.
Wynona pinched her lips together and gripped the arm rests on her chair to push herself into standing. She’d really stepped in it now.
Before she could get all the way up, a clammy hand gripped hers. Wynona looked down to see Delila holding her tightly. “I didn’t do it,” Delila pleaded one last time. “You have to believe me.”
Holding back what felt like her millionth sigh, Wynona nodded and patted the siren’s hand. “We’ll get this figured out. Don’t you worry.”
“Ms. Le Doux?” Rascal waited by the door, his face drawn and serious.
Wynona clenched her fists as she walked past him, wishing to offer comfort, but not knowing what she could possibly say or do that would ease the situation.
Feeling like she was walking to her doom, Wynona forced her knees to stop trembling and her shoulders to stay straight. If she was going down, she was going to do it on her terms.