Cake and Crystals: A Witches of Willow Hollow Mystery by Kat McGee

Author:Kat McGee [McGee, Kat]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Towering Pines Publishing
Published: 2024-05-16T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Scorch marks streaked across the walls, which were now a smorgasbord of charred wallpaper and exposed wall braces of the Bespelled B&B’s third floor. The air reeked of burnt lacquer and singed hair, courtesy of Veralee’s magical misfire, and I had to stifle a cough. The elegant Victorian trim that once hugged the hallway was now just sad, blistered remnants drooping like overcooked noodles.

Molars ground together and jaw aching, I faced the stairwell and my ex-husband. “If you thought Veralee’s blast was a doozy, I’d suggest you step back.”

“Harper,” Frankenfurful scowled as his deputies exited one of the bedrooms, “there’s no need for this.”

Sebastian, with his brow furrowed, looked older and harsher than I remembered him. The way his eyes narrowed made me think he’d been practicing his intimidation face in front of a mirror.

“Are you threatening me?” he asked, with that familiar smugness. “In front of the sheriff and his deputies? But, considering what happens if a witch attempts to sway business finances in town, I look forward to seeing you explain to your aunt why her beloved bakery failed.”

Veralee’s gaze could’ve cut diamond as she stared him down. “That’s enough from you.” She didn’t own a business here but stood next to me like we were back-to-back in some wild west shootout.

“But—” Sebastian scowled like someone had swapped his gourmet meal for day-old bread.

“No buts. It would seem you’ve come here to bully and intimidate and,” she slung her arm about my shoulders in an act of solidarity that felt strangely comforting, “you’ve picked the wrong witch. Despite being married to her and thinking you know everything about Harper Dade, you know nothing at all.”

Sheriff Frankenfurful mirrored Veralee’s move with an arm around Sebastian’s shoulders. “I can’t have you in the middle of my crime scene stirring up trouble. Or doing the latter in my town period.”

“Your town?” Sebastian’s face flushed a shade that clashed horrendously with his suit. His expression twisted. “Maybe you didn’t get the memo, buddy, but—”

The growl that came from Frankenfurful wasn’t something you’d expect from anything less than an eight-foot grizzly. “I didn’t get any sort of notice a nonmagical visitor was going to invade our fine town while pretending to be high and mighty.”

Sebastian’s smirk dropped. “Mess with me and you’ll be the one to take down your girlfriend’s business.”

“Son—”

“I’m not your son,” my ex ground out. “My father died, never having achieved one of his greatest dreams. Despite all of you, I’m going to make it happen. You can either join me or—”

“Or what, Mister Grainger?” Before I could blink, Frankenfurful’s human form blurred into a bear so massive he could’ve played linebacker for the Grizzlies. And honestly? I wouldn’t have bet against him.

Eyes bulging and his face flushing ruddy, Sebastian backed down three steps so fast he nearly tripped over his own feet and bolted down the stairs. “This isn’t over,” he called back, his voice echoing with the bravado of a villain vowing revenge.

“We can hope,” I muttered under my breath, letting out a tight exhale.

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