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Wynona yawned and took another long pull of her tea. She needed to wake up and do it now. Rascal was coming to pick her up so they could visit the Kitty Kauldron to try to figure out why Mrs. Roseburg would leave all her money there.
A knock on her door caught her off guard and she jumped, almost spilling her tea. “That’ll teach you to stay up late smooching,” she muttered to herself. With a flick of her fingers, the front door opened.
“Good morning,” Rascal said with a grin, followed by a chuckle when she gave him a glare. “You don’t look happy to see me.” He walked over and left a peck on her cheek. “Any particular reason?”
She’s regretting your little make out session last night, Violet offered, scrambling up his leg.
“Violet!” Wynona cried.
Rascal laughed and brushed her skin when he tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. “I should probably be offended by that, but for some reason it’s kinda funny. I’ll have to up my game if you’re regretting it.”
Wynona rolled her eyes and sent her tea cup to the sink. “I’m not sleeping well, okay?” She sighed and rubbed her temple. “This case has me in knots and I keep looking over my shoulder, afraid that my dad is going to show up and drag me back to the castle.”
Rascal’s humor was gone. “I won’t let him.”
“Do you really think either of us could stop him?” she pressed. Wynona closed her eyes and shook her head. “I’m sorry. I’m being pessimistic and it’s not like me.” Her shoulders deflated. “Sometimes it all just feels too heavy.”
Rascal pulled her into a hug and rubbed her back, resting his cheek on her head. “It’ll all turn out okay,” he cooed. “We can do this and Chief promised the power of the station to keep you out of their clutches. You just keep practicing that magic and we’ll make it through both your family and the case.” He pulled back. “We’re close,” he said with a firm nod. “I can feel it. Something’s going to give in this case very soon.”
Wynona gave him a tired smile. “Thanks. I needed that.”
He gave her a quick kiss. “I know.” Pulling back, he winked while tapping his temple.
“PRIVACY!” she hollered after him when he walked away smirking.
“Keep your guard up!” he retorted. He stopped at the door. “Come on. Daylight’s wasting.”
Wynona held up a finger and used her magic to grab her purse and keys. “Ready.”
Rascal held out a hand and led her to the truck, making sure she was settled before walking to his own side. “Have you ever been to this place?” he asked, putting the truck in reverse.
Wynona shook her head. “Nope. I’ve seen it a couple times while running errands, but I’m not exactly in the market for a cat.”
Violet snorted.
“Between a wolf and a mouse as permanent fixtures in your life, it’s no wonder,” Rascal said with a grin.
Wynona laughed softly. “I suppose so. I always did wonder what some witches saw in them.” She tilted her head in thought. “Though I figured it had to do with my bound magic, which was obviously not the case.”
The cab grew quiet as they drove through town. The Kitty Kauldron was on the opposite side of Hex Haven, as it needed quite a bit of land in order for the animals to roam.
They pulled into the small parking lot and Rascal shut off the car. “Skymaw’s here.” He tilted his chin toward the officer stepping out of his vehicle.
Wynona nodded. “Great. Let’s go.”
They got out of the truck and the group walked inside. A bell rang over their head, announcing their arrival.
“Coming!” Afeminine voice came from the back of the office.
Wynona looked around, taking a moment to scan the entrance. It was plain, as far as businesses went. Concrete floors, a simple front desk. The walls were lined with pens or pallets of food. A small area to the right looked like a playground, presumably where guests could play with the kittens or adult cats.
“Hi, there,” a woman said, stepping through a swinging doorway. The noise of animals caught Wynona’s ear before the door swung shut. “Oh.” The woman paused. Her hair was pulled up in a messy ponytail that was half falling out. Her clothes were slightly baggy and had smears on them that Wynona had no desire to know where she’d gotten them. Nervous green eyes darted around the group. “How can I help you, Officers?”
“We’re looking for Miss Valence Tailorson,” Rascal said politely, but with a clear air of authority.
The woman ran her hands down her shirt. “That’s me. Is there a...problem with a cat? Did someone complain about an adoption or something?”
Rascal shook his head. “No. We’re here about Ms. Roseburg’s will.”
The woman blanched. Her lips thinned into a white line. “I guess you better come back to the office then.” She guided the group to a tiny space that was messy, but just as unadorned as the front of the shelter.
Cat toys littered the space, covering every surface, with climbing posts built all along the side wall.
Talk about obsessed, Violet said. This lady really likes her cats.
She DOES run the shelter, Wynona responded.
“I’m sorry about the mess,” the woman said, scrambling to clear a few chairs.
“It’s fine,” Rascal said. “We can stand.”
She paused, hugging several files to her chest, then nodded. “Okay. Do you mind if I sit though?” A sheepish grin crossed her face. “As you can imagine, I don’t get off my feet very often.”
Rascal nodded. “Of course.” His eyebrows went up. “I’m assuming you’re Ms. Tailorson, then?”
She nodded, jerking her chair closer to her desk. “That would be correct.” Clasping her hands in her lap, Ms. Tailorson looked up expectantly. “What do you need to know about Harmony’s will?”
The fact that Ms. Tailerson used Ms. Roseburg’s first name wasn’t lost on Wynona. She was clearly stating her relationship with the deceased witch had been close.
“Tell us about Ms. Roseburg’s relationship with the shelter,” Rascal pressed. “Are all her cats from here?”
“Goodness, no,” Ms. Tailorson said with a laugh. “Harmony rescued quite a few cats, it’s true, but she had money, so she had several pure breeds.”
“And you were hired to help take care of the cats?” Rascal continued.
Ms. Tailorson nodded, leaning back in her seat. Apparently, her initial wariness had worn off. “As you can imagine, the shelter sometimes struggles for money, like most institutions who do this type of work.” She paused for just a second before her eyes lasered in on Rascal. “I have over two hundred cats at the moment, Officer. Do you have any idea how much it takes simply to feed them? Let alone take care of pet vaccinations or any illnesses.”
“Can’t say I do,” Rascal said easily. “But I’d still like you to continue answering my question.”
Ms. Tailorson’s cheeks flushed. “Sorry. Getting caught up in my soapbox is a hazard of this type of work.” She pushed out a harsh breath. “I have a side business where I hire myself and my workers out to help do clean up and onsite well care checks for those who prefer not to have to bundle their fur babies into boxes or cages.”
“I’m assuming that means your clients are mostly witches,” Wynona inserted, causing Ms. Tailorson to finally take note of her. “And that they’re wealthy.”
A slight smirk pulled at the woman’s lips. “You could say that. A luxury like in-home visits doesn’t come cheap.” She spread her hands to the side. “Though it does pay for this posh office you see.”
Wynona made sure her smile was warm. “It’s clear you care a great deal about these animals, Ms. Tailorson.”
“I’m sorry.” She leaned forward. “Who are you? You aren’t an officer.”
“I’m Wynona Le Doux,” Wynona supplied. “I own Saffron House of Tea on Haven Main.”
“Oh, yes.” Ms. Tailorson’s eyes became guarded again. She leaned back and her eyes became unfocused. “I’ve heard of you.”
Violet snorted. And just what has she heard?
A tingle ran up Wynona’s neck and she stiffened. Violet?
I feel it, her familiar assured her. What do you see?
Rascal subtly stepped in front of Wynona, giving her a little space to do what she needed to do. “Ms. Tailorson, how long have you been working with the Roseburg cats?”
Wynona turned to the side, blinking until her vision went purple. She noted that Daemon jerked, obviously having felt her magic, but to his credit, his face stayed stoic. I don’t see anything! Wynona thought in exasperation. Why did she keep getting this feeling? Was a ghost following her, but able to somehow hide itself? What good was this power if the specters could still stay invisible?
“Were you surprised by the will?” Rascal asked, pulling Wynona’s attention back to the conversation.
She pushed down her ghost vision. She could still feel the presence. Someone was there and Wynona couldn’t see them. But why?
“Not really,” Ms. Tailorson said, letting her right hand fall over the side of her chair. “Harmony and I had talked about it before.” She smiled. “I suppose you could say we were kindred sisters in a way.”
“You’re a witch?” The question was out of Wynona’s mouth before she could think better of it. With creatures who looked human, it could be hard to tell what type of paranormal they were, but flat out asking wasn’t really considered polite. “Sorry,” Wynona immediately said. “It was just the way you said sisters that made me wonder.”
Ms. Tailorson nodded. “Yes. I’m a witch.”
Everyone in the room could tell that Ms. Tailorson wasn’t thrilled to have Wynona there, though Wynona didn’t know why. They’d never met before. It made no sense for the woman to dislike her.
Instead of dwelling on it, Wynona smiled. “You must have an animal affinity.” In for a penny, in for a pound, she thought. She’d already crossed the polite line, might as well simply find out what she needed to know.
Ms. Tailorson looked less than amused. “I suppose you could say that.”
“Did you know that Ms. Roseburg was a wind witch?” Wynona offered. “Her specialty was air.”
Ms. Tailorson nodded. “Yes. I knew that.” Her eyes narrowed. “Are you planning to share your strength next?”
Wynona shrugged. “I make custom teas,” she said. “I suppose you could call me an earth or plant witch.”
Those green eyes grew even smaller. “Hm.” After what seemed an eternity, she must have decided Wynona was no threat, because the witch straightened and smiled widely. “Did you have more questions? Or do I get to give my spiel about adopting a cat?”
Rascal coughed. “I don’t think a cat and I would get along,” he said with a chuckle.
Ms. Tailorson shifted and raised her eyebrows at Daemon, who gave one quick shake of his head. “And you, Ms. Le Doux? I happen to know your mother has a few.”
Wynona kept that smile plastered on, though it was wavering at this point. “Sorry, but no. It wouldn’t get along with my familiar.”
“You have a familiar?” Ms. Tailorson turned contemplative. “And it wouldn’t get along with a cat, huh?” Her eyebrows shot up. “Is it a wolf perhaps?”
The humor fled the room so quickly that Wynona almost felt as if the air had been sucked from her lungs. She got the distinct impression that Ms. Tailorson was sending a message. But why? And what exactly is she trying to convey?
She knows about us, Rascal said through their link. The question is, who told her? And why does it matter to her?
“That’s one way to look at it,” Wynona said. “Thank you for your time, Ms. Tailorson.” Wynona turned to the door. She needed a few minutes to think things through. This visit hadn’t gone the way she had planned.
“We’ll be in touch,” Rascal said in a low tone. Bringing his hand to Wynona’s back, he led her out of the office.
Footsteps followed them and Ms. Tailorson hurried around the group, picking up the foldable counter so they could pass through. “Thanks for stopping by,” she said in a perky tone. “If any of you decide you’d like a pet, just let me know.”
Wynona stopped. “Where did you get that?” she asked, pointing to a long, jagged red mark on the woman’s arm.
Ms. Tailorson smirked. “Hazard of working with wild animals, Ms. Le Doux.” Her eyes flashed to Rascal and back. “You ought to know that.”
“Some of your cats are wild?” Wynona continued, ignoring the woman’s low blow.
“We’re a shelter,” Ms. Tailorson said slowly, as if Wynona were simple minded. “We take in all cats, no matter how feral.”
Wynona nodded. “Try some ginger or golden root,” she offered. “It’ll help keep it from getting infected.” With a completely insincere smile, Wynona led the way outside, breathing much easier once they weren’t contained within those concrete walls.
“That wasn’t quite what I expected,” Rascal said, stopping at the side of the truck to look back at the building.
“Me either,” Daemon agreed. “At first I thought she would faint at our appearance, but then she practically threatened you, though I’m not quite sure why.”
“She’s scared,” Wynona said thoughtfully, looking back as well.
“Why?” Daemon asked. “We weren’t here to arrest her. She’s not even considered a suspect.” He dropped his voice. “Though now I’m starting to think we should.”
“What would she gain though?” Wynona asked. “We’re looking for Zander’s killer. Ms. Tailorson would have no reason to kill Zander.”
“Revenge?” Rascal offered. “For a friend? Or maybe she was afraid he would stop the monthly income she relied on, if the will was changed over?”
Wynona nodded. “It’s worth considering, but...” She shook her head. “Something doesn’t quite fit.”
“Why were you asking about the scratch?” Daemon asked. He grinned. “I’m pretty sure you knew exactly what it was.”
Wynona nodded. “I did, but I needed her to confirm it.”
“And the reason?”
Rascal’s eyes widened and he turned to Wynona. She nodded, knowing he understood the possible significance. “The scratch on Zander’s neck,” he said. “Her scratch was jagged like the scratch on his neck.”
“Can a cat kill a human?” Daemon scoffed. “That seems unlikely.”
“It does,” Wynona mused. “They’re small, even if they can be vicious. Zander should have been able to push it away before it could do anything that severe.”
Rascal growled. “So she is involved.”
Wynona ticked her head side to side and up and down. “Maybe, yes, no? I’m not sure. But I do think she knows who did it.” She grinned at the gentlemen. “And that’s enough to help give us something to run with.”