A Formidable Potion by Constance Barker

Author:Constance Barker [Barker, Constance]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Constance Barker
Published: 2020-02-27T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

The otter jumped into the air, and right before my eyes, Genevive appeared. She grinned from ear to ear, quite happy with her ability to transform from her wildform.

“How did you know?” Genevive asked.

“Well, there’s the fact that otters usually hang around lakes and streams. And then, there was a glint in your eyes, something not seen in real wild otters.”

“Well, I was excited. I mean, Allie and I have been practicing, so I knew I could do it. But I wanted to surprise you.”

“You did, you did. Do you like your wildform?”

“I love it. I mean, as a water witch, I suppose an otter would be appropriate. And I like that I can move fast and get into places a bigger animal can’t.”

“True, but remember, some of those larger animals will be predators. When you’re in wildform, you have to be very wary of your surroundings. But I’m happy you’re enjoying it.”

“I’m going to change now,” she said. “And run home.”

“You have enough magical energy left?”

“Oh yes. I walked up here and waited for you. So, I saved a lot of energy.”

“Perfect. And if you feel the least bit depleted, transform back. It’s better to have a long walk than to get locked into your wildform.”

“I hear you.”

With that, Genevive popped into her wildform. She stood on her hind legs a moment and waved. Then, she raced away into the growing dark. I didn’t fear for her. She seemed to have the transformation down pat. Then, I remembered that Allie’s wildform was a water moccasin, a snake. Could they play together as snake and otter? I was certain they could—if they wanted to.

Dinner was, indeed, ready when I entered the house. Cassandra handed me a glass of red wine, and we sat down to chicken parmesan, accompanied with asparagus sprigs. It smelled heavenly. I had taken but one bite when Paula spoke.

“Alright, who killed Black Widow?”

“Paula,” Cassandra said. “Be polite. She’s just begun dinner. Please forgive Paula,” Cassandra continued. “She knows that you are a very, very good detective. And she’s not the most patient creature on the planet.”

“I understand her interest and concern,” I said. “But I really have no idea who might have killed the young woman.”

“A vampire?” Paula asked.

“Perhaps,” I answered. “It looks as if it could have been. There were puncture marks, and the body was drained of blood. But that doesn’t guarantee a vampire.”

“Hmmmm,” Cassandra said. “If it looks like a vampire, what else could it be?”

“Killers are not above making things look different than what they are,” I said. “It’s not as if a killer is going to autograph their work.”

Cassandra laughed. “Wouldn’t that be something if they did? It would certainly make the Gallaghers’ job easier.”

“Speaking of autographs,” I said. “You found the body. Did you notice anything special, any detail that might help?”

She shook her head. “No, not really. As I told you, I didn’t recognize the woman. I don’t think she had been in the shop before. But I can’t be certain.

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