Wicked Witches of the Midwest Mystery Box Set Read online

  “So Margaret was right?” Chief Terry stroked his chin as he regarded me. “She really did see you guys breaking into Hopper’s house last night. She said Tillie and Thistle were with you. I didn’t want to believe her because that was a ridiculous combination, but she was right.”

  I wasn’t sure what to say to make things better. “If it’s any consolation, Aunt Tillie made us miserable the entire time,” I offered finally.

  Now it was Landon’s turn to make a face. “Smooth, Bay.” He exhaled heavily and collected his patience. “We just wanted to look at the files. We didn’t intend to take them. That was a whim. I really don’t regret it because Bay found something else in the stack this morning and it might lead to a suspect.”

  Chief Terry was apoplectic. “How can we arrest a suspect with information we gleaned illegally?”

  “I’m sure we’ll figure something out.”

  “Oh, well, if you’re sure.” Chief Terry paced behind the bench. “This is unbelievable. You know, I expect this sort of crap with Bay, Clove and Thistle. They were partially raised by Tillie and they never met a rule they didn’t want to break. Tillie encouraged it because of who she is and what she believed the girls would grow up to become. You know better, Landon. You’re a duly sworn agent, for crying out loud. What happens if someone other than me finds out?”

  Landon held out his hands and shrugged. “I don’t know.”

  “You could at least be a little sorry about it!”

  “I’m not.” Landon refused to back down. “I broke the law last night, and I’m not sorry. Do you want to know why?”

  “No.”

  “I’ll tell you anyway,” he persisted. “I know we did the right thing because Bay found something in the files today, something only she could find because she’s ...magical.”

  “Oh, geez.” Chief Terry slapped his hand to his forehead. “Here we go. You are the schmaltziest piece of work I’ve ever met.”

  “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

  “It wasn’t meant as one.”

  “It doesn’t matter.” Landon refused to back down. “I think Bay was meant to find that other file. I think she was meant to go to Esther’s house. I think she was meant to cross paths with Mrs. Little. I think it was all destiny.”

  Chief Terry turned to me, incredulous. “What is he even talking about?”

  “He’s been a little whimsical since he found out we went to summer camp together,” I admitted. “Do you remember the year I discovered the former camp counselor’s body? Landon was at that camp. He was one of your campers.”

  “Yes, I’ve heard.” Chief Terry didn’t look nearly as thrilled by the development as Landon clearly felt. “So what?”

  “He thinks that means we’re meant to be together. Apparently that also means he’s embracing the idea of bigger forces controlling our lives.”

  “Great. Basically you’re saying he’s having an existential crisis and we have to cover for him.”

  My expression turned pleading. “I don’t want him to lose his job. His job is important to him.”

  Chief Terry rolled his eyes as he tapped his foot on the cold concrete. “You’re trying to kill me, aren’t you?”

  “No. I’m trying to protect him.”

  “I don’t need protection.” Landon was firm. “I’ll take whatever punishment is coming my way.”

  “Oh, you need protection,” Chief Terry growled. “You need all kinds of protection.”

  “I did the crime. I’ll do the time.”

  “Whatever.” Chief Terry looked so morose when he met my gaze I wanted to throw my arms around him and offer a gentle hug.

  “We need to get the files back in Hopper’s house before you get the warrant,” I suggested.

  “No, we’ll simply keep the files out and then claim we took them from his property after the fact,” Chief Terry corrected. “If you break into the house a second time you’ll compound matters. As it is, I’m going to have to park an officer outside the house tonight to make sure Margaret doesn’t try to break in. She adamant that something fishy is going on at the house.”

  “Because she was there in the middle of the night.”

  “I noticed.”

  “Why was she there in the middle of the night?” I pressed. “Could it be she’s looking for her file in his house?”

  “You’re suggesting Margaret killed him,” Chief Terry surmised. “I know you dislike her, Bay, but do you really think she’s capable of doing what you’re suggesting?”

  I rapidly searched my memories of the woman in question and nodded. “Yes. I think she’s capable of doing whatever it takes to protect her image. That’s all she cares about.”

  Chief Terry stared for a beat without saying anything. Finally, he merely sighed and dragged a restless hand through his hair. “Keep those files safe and under wraps. Don’t get caught carrying them around.”

  I nodded perfunctorily. “Okay.”

  “Watch your delusional boyfriend, too. His newfound destiny kick could get him into trouble.”

  “That’s the plan.”

  “Well ... I guess that’s it then.”

  I called out to him before he could storm away. “You’re not angry with me, are you?”

  The exasperation etched on his face when he turned back was profound. “Yeah. I’m angry, Bay.”

  “You’re not going to stay angry, are you?”

  “For now.”

  I rubbed my forehead and tried to keep from whining. Anger seemed totally justified in this situation, even though I didn’t like it. “Okay, well, when you’re done being angry ... I’ll still be here.”

  Chief Terry looked down at the ground and then back at me. “I’m guessing I won’t be angry very long.”

  Landon snorted. “I’m guessing that, too.”

  Chief Terry ignored him. “Try to stay out of trouble the rest of the day, Bay. I can’t promise I won’t blow up if you make matters worse.”

  I saluted. “No trouble from me, sir. I’ll be an absolute angel.”

  “That’s what I’m afraid of. Your version of an angel rides around on a broom.”

  He wasn’t wrong. Still, he clearly needed reassurance. “I’ll be good.”

  “See that you are.”

  Sixteen

  Landon walked me to the newspaper office after Chief Terry departed. He was quiet, clearly lost in thought. Once we cleared the front door, though, he let me have it.

  “I was trying to protect you.”

  I blew out a sigh. “I know.”

  “Why didn’t you let me?”

  That was a complicated question. “I was trying to protect you.”

  “That’s not really an answer.”

  “No?” I cocked an eyebrow as I shrugged out of my coat. “I really wish spring would get here. This is the time we should be looking forward to flowers and seasonal festivals. It still feels as if we’re going to get another snow this year.”

  Landon’s angry expression didn’t waver. “Bay, why did you try to take the blame?”

  “Because you have more to lose.”

  “I wouldn’t have lost my job. No matter how angry he was, Chief Terry wouldn’t have turned me in. You know that.”

  “I do know that.” I nodded in confirmation. “But you’re just as important to me as I am to you. You don’t get to be the great protector simply because you have a penis, no matter what pop culture has taught you.”

  Landon moved his jaw but didn’t speak, giving me an opening to continue.

  “It was my idea. That was the truth. Chief Terry will be angry for a bit and then get over it. That’s how he is. You’re still in the doghouse because he thinks you should know better and you went along with us all the same. He’ll get over that, too. We have a plan.”

  Landon’s sigh was long and drawn out. “I don’t like that you have a point.”

  “I had multiple points.”

  “The one about me feeling like I need to be the protecto
r because I’m the man,” he supplied. “I don’t mean to be sexist — I really don’t — but I want to protect you. I can’t help myself.”

  “I know.” This seemed like a weird time to talk about sexism, but I opted to play along. “You’re an FBI agent. It’s your job to save as many people as possible. Of course you get even more determined when it comes to someone you know and love. I think that’s human nature.”

  “So ... you’re not angry?”

  I shook my head. “Not as long as you realize I want to protect you, too. I’m capable of taking care of myself, but it’s a nice feeling to know that you care enough to risk your entire career for me. However, this particular time, there is no need for you to fall on your sword. Chief Terry will get over it.”

  “I know he will.” Landon took two steps forward and rubbed his hands up and down my arms. “Thank you for volunteering to fall on your sword. It meant a lot.”

  “I don’t have a sword.” I shot him a wicked grin.

  “Ha, ha.” He tweaked my nose and gave me a quick kiss. “Now I can’t go back to the office for at least an hour because Chief Terry needs time to decompress. I can guarantee he’s over there kicking his desk and calling us idiots. That means I need to steer clear of him.”

  “What did you have in mind?” I was picturing something flirty and fun.

  “I thought you could call Dr. Hopper so we could have a talk with him.”

  His answer caught me off guard. “Seriously?”

  “Did you think I was going to suggest something else?”

  I had no idea how to answer without making myself look stupid, so I decided to change course. “That’s a fabulous idea.” I shifted to move away from him but he caught me. “What?”

  “We can do the other thing you were thinking about when it’s warmer. That should be a spring adventure.”

  My cheeks burned. “I wasn’t thinking anything.”

  “You’re a terrible liar.”

  “I’ll have you know that I aced Aunt Tillie’s class on lying when I was a kid.”

  “Fine. You’re a terrible liar when it comes to me.”

  That was probably true. Still, I didn’t want to dwell on it. “So, you want me to call Dr. Hopper? Do you think that’s a good idea? It’s been quiet for a bit. He’s loud.”

  “I’m surprised he hasn’t been buzzing around,” Landon admitted. “I thought for sure he would show up last night and cause a scene.”

  “Ugh. I was hoping he wouldn’t. In fact, I worried about that right before we left the inn. I was relieved when he didn’t show.”

  “That’s why I want you to call him now.” Landon’s tone turned reasonable. “I want to know what he has to say — if anything — about Mrs. Little.”

  “I think Chief Terry wants to wait until the warrant comes through for patient files.”

  “Then we won’t tell him about this conversation unless it yields something important.”

  That sounded like a good idea. “Okay.”

  Landon moved to the front door to lock it while I swung my arms and geared up to call a ghost. He smirked when he saw me stretching — an expression I chose to ignore — and positioned himself so he was close when I called out with my mind.

  I thought I would have to try two or three times to get Hopper to appear. Instead, he burst into being four steps in front of me before I even let loose his name.

  “It’s about time!” Hopper looked furious.

  I exchanged a quick look with Landon. “Um ... .”

  “You’ve had me locked away for what feels like forever,” Hopper snapped. “I don’t appreciate that, by the way. I’ve been nothing but helpful. You’re the reason I’m here in the first place and for you to do what you did ... well, it’s not nice. No wonder people call you a witch with a ‘b’ all the time.”

  “Hey, don’t give her attitude,” Landon warned, extending a finger. “She’s had a rough day.”

  “Oh, whatever.” Hopper made a face. “You’re not the boss of me. I hope you realize that. I understand you have bossy tendencies — that’s normal for people who choose careers in law enforcement, by the way — but you’re not in charge.”

  Landon’s expression twisted. “I am not bossy.” He looked to me for confirmation. “Tell him I’m not bossy.”

  I absently patted his arm. “I happen to like bossy people. Heck, I grew up with Aunt Tillie and my mother. I only know how to deal with bossy people. If someone isn’t bossy I assume there’s something wrong with them.”

  Landon’s expression was withering. “I’m not bossy.”

  “I know. I’m not bossy either.”

  “You’re totally bossy.”

  “Right back at you.” I fixed what I hoped was a pleasant smile on my face and focused my full attention on Hopper. “So ... how are things?”

  “How are things? How are things?” With each word, Hopper became shriller. “Things are not great. They’re not good at all. They’re ... terrible.”

  “Do you want to talk about it?”

  “Oh, that’s lovely,” he sneered, shaking his head. “You’re using what you think are standard psychological responses to act as my therapist. I know what you’re doing.”

  “I wasn’t doing that.” I opted for the truth. “It just slipped out. I don’t want to shrink you.”

  “That’s a derogatory term. How would you like it if people walked around calling you a witch all the time?”

  “I self-identify as a witch, so I would be fine with it. Plus, well, the whole town is full of witches.”

  “You’re a real witch.”

  “Fair enough.” I rubbed my palms against my jeans to wipe away the sweat. For some reason, I was nervous. “So ... we have a few things to discuss.”

  “Like the reason you locked me in that dark box for ten years?” Hopper barked, his eyes on fire.

  “Dark box? I didn’t lock you in a box.”

  “You most certainly did.” Hopper was clearly in no mood to back down. “I was out and about and enjoying myself — Pippa Martin held her monthly book club meeting yesterday and they were serving wine, so the gossip was flying fast and furious — when all of a sudden I found myself trapped in a dark box. I couldn’t move, and the only thing I could hear was your voice.”

  That sounded downright terrifying. “But ... I didn’t put you in a box.”

  “Hold on.” Landon rested his fingers on my forearm as he focused on Hopper. “About what time did this happen?”

  “How should I know? I don’t need to check the clock anymore because I’m dead. I don’t have to be anywhere at a specific time, so I can mosey about as I choose. That’s the only good thing about being dead.”

  “You said you were at a book club,” Landon pressed. “What time were you there?”

  “I don’t know. It was after dinner. That’s all I can tell you.”

  Landon slid his eyes to me. “I think you did put him in a box.”

  I balked. “I did not! That’s a horrible thing to say. I would never put someone in a box. That’s something a serial killer would do.”

  Instead of yelling back, Landon remained calm. “Sweetie, you said it yourself. You were nervous last night when we broke into Hopper’s house and went through his files. You didn’t want him to show up. I think you accidentally made it so he couldn’t possibly catch us in the act.”

  Hopper’s face filled with fury. “Excuse me?”

  “She didn’t mean to do it,” Landon repeated. “She’s still learning to control her powers. There’s no reason to get worked up. You’re obviously not suffering any lingering effects from your incarceration.”

  “I’m mentally spent!”

  “I think you were mentally spent before this.” Landon was grim as he rubbed a hand over my back and regarded Hopper with outright disgust. “How many of your patients were you treating with sexual therapy that involved your participation?”

  Hopper sputtered. “I don’t have to listen to this, to your accusati
ons. I’m an adult. Also, I’m a doctor. There’s such a thing as doctor-patient confidentiality. You’re not allowed to dig into that information.”

  “We found the files,” I offered, my anger bubbling. “We know about Robin Daughtry ... and Beth Hamilton ... and Sarah Rothschild. We found the special notation you made in your files for the women you had sex with. I couldn’t help but notice it was all the young and pretty ones. That doesn’t seem like a coincidence.”

  “Well, I never!” Hopper turned haughty. “I don’t have to answer your questions. This is ... completely undignified!” He couldn’t show color in his pallid face. I knew if he could his cheeks would be red with fury rather than embarrassment.

  “You’re not going anywhere.” I was firm as I folded my arms over my chest. “If you try, I’ll just bring you back. If you try again, I’ll purposely put you in a box and this time you won’t be alone. I’ll put a clown in there if you’re not careful.”

  Hopper furrowed his brow. “A clown?”

  “They’re totally freaky,” Landon muttered as he involuntarily shivered. “That’s quite the threat.”

  “I learned from the best.” I leaned my hip against the desk. “We know about all the women. We have their names. The question is, which husbands found out? They’re the ones most likely to kill you or have you killed.”

  “I’m not answering that.”

  “I could make you.”

  “I’m still not answering.” I had to respect Hopper’s refusal to back down. He really was trying to protect his patients. At least it appeared that way. “I’m a professional.”

  “You’re trying to protect your own legacy,” Landon corrected. “You don’t want to be known as the doctor who slept with his patients. You don’t want the town to still be whispering about the doctor who was stabbed by an angry husband.

  “I heard you on the radio,” he continued. “I commuted between Traverse City and Hemlock Cove for years. You were the only one talking some nights, and I listened. Your fans thought you knew a lot about healthy relationships, but it’s clear the only thing you cared about was your own gratification.”

  “I don’t have to listen to this.” Hopper’s fury was on full display. “You’re not in charge here. I don’t have to answer your invasive questions. I refuse to put my patients at risk.”