Every Witch Way but Hidden (Magical Misfits Mysteries Book 5) by K.E. O'Connor

Author:K.E. O'Connor [O'Connor, K.E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: K.E. O'Connor
Published: 2022-12-05T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Slimy surprises

“If this is true, it’s outrageous. Those snails are so rare, they’re on the critically endangered list.” Barney Hoffman thumped closed the book he’d been looking through. “There are fewer than five hundred left. It’s a disgrace people still exploit them.”

After learning about Eric’s snail exploits, we’d gone into animal control and updated Barney. As always, he’d put the animal’s needs first, abandoned his paperwork, and we’d researched the snails.

“Has this happened in Crimson Cove before?” Zandra said. “It seems like a niche business opportunity. Not just anyone could get their hands on these snails if there are so few of them.”

Barney’s cheeks were tinged red as he placed the book back on the shelf and returned to his seat. “I’ve heard rumors of a black-market trade in snail goo but never here. It’s shocking. I can’t think of anyone living in the area who’d do such a thing. Of course, we get a few people negligent with their licenses or who need better training to care for their familiars, but such blatant exploitation is unacceptable.”

“We’re going to rescue them, right?” I said.

“Of course. As soon as possible. We have Angel Forces’ support?” Barney said.

“Cythera is eager to get the place shut,” Zandra said. “She’s loaned us two angels. Bertoli and Finn are scouting the warehouse area with Lucian and have identified the building they think the operation is running out of.”

“It’s the old artificial wing factory,” I said.

“I know the place. Have they identified who’s running the operation?” Barney said.

“They saw a couple of people come and go, but there’s probably more. And it’s busy. Finn saw two groups go in.”

“The money made from this venture won’t go to anything legal. And rainbow snail goo is addictive. Once you’re hooked on it, you need more, so they have a captive audience who’ll pay anything for their next hit.”

“We’re ready to go shut this place when you are,” Zandra said. “You are coming with us?”

Barney looked at his paperwork. “I wish I could, but this report won’t wait. I’ve got the paperwork in order and the warrant to search the warehouse, so you have nothing to worry about from our side. But I don’t want you going alone. Oleander’s out, but let me see if Glenda’s free. She had a busy morning but should be back for lunch.” He bustled out of his office and along the corridor to the small break room.

We followed him. My toe beans tingled with excitement and anticipation. Sometimes, animal control work was less than inspiring, but this mission would make a huge difference to the lives of vulnerable creatures, and I was determined it would succeed.

Glenda sat with her red high-heeled boots up on the table, her chair rocked back on two legs. She had three meatball subs in front of her and a large order of salted fries covered in ketchup. “Hey, boss. How’s it hanging?”

“We have a snail situation. An illegal venture in town involving the rare rainbow giant snail.”

“Shocking!” Glenda broke a meatball in half and tossed a piece to me.

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