Magic & Misfortune (Starry Hollow Witches Book 14) by Annabel Chase

Author:Annabel Chase [Chase, Annabel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Red Palm Press LLC
Published: 2021-06-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

I awoke the next morning pleased to have avoided food poisoning, although one glimpse in the mirror told me I’d retained the skin irritation from the bath bomb. I showered and dressed before heading downstairs for breakfast. Marley sat at the kitchen table with a spoon in one hand and a book pressed open with the other.

She twisted to look at me. “How was your date?”

“It was a date.” I didn’t want to explain my complex emotions to my daughter, especially when I didn’t quite understand them myself.

“Why are you dressed already? It isn’t even noon.”

I glared at her. “I don’t hang around in pajamas until lunchtime.”

“You have ever since you lost your job and broke up with Alec.” She returned her focus to the book.

“I’m going back to the restaurant today. They had to close in the middle of the dinner rush last night because of food poisoning.”

“Ugh. Good thing you dodged that.”

“No kidding.”

“Why go back today?”

I poured a cup of coffee. “I’d like more information.”

She closed her book and gave me her full attention. “You think it might be the ring?”

I shrugged. “It’s possible since that’s where the ring was stolen.”

“But the engagement party was last week. Why would there be a delay?”

I leaned a hip against the counter and sipped my coffee. “I don’t know. That’s why I’m going to ask questions. I’d like to rule it out or in.”

“Raoul left notes for you. They’re hard to understand, but I figured you could decipher raccoon scratches.” She pushed a sheet of paper to the edge of the table.

I reviewed the scribbles. Raoul had researched the love bomb, bless his furry, misguided heart. The influence wore off within six to eight hours and there were no lingering effects. Perfect.

Wait. There was nothing about when the spots would disappear. Not so perfect.

I peered out the window to see an unfamiliar car parked outside. PP3 yipped his approval of the visitor. Hmm.

A figured emerged from the car swaddled in a black cloak and with a noticeable hunched back. It was only when she landed on the welcome mat that I realized the cloaked figure was Aster.

“Greeting, old wise woman.”

“I come bearing gifts.” Aster swept into the cottage and returned to an upright position.

“Is it an apple? If so, I’m going to have to decline because it’s clearly been poisoned.”

“Mother would never expect me to disguise myself as a decrepit old witch.”

“Heaven forbid. What would the neighbors say?”

Aster produced the portfolio that was tucked under her arm and placed it on the dining table. “I’d like to show you the shed options I’ve drafted for your new office.”

I glanced at the clock on my phone. There was still time before anyone would be at the restaurant. “Great. Let’s see.”

She flipped to the first design, which was in the style of a gingerbread house. There were gables and white trim, as well as a decorative chimney that appeared to be made of colorful candy.

“This one is pretty but not very professional. It looks like I might lure children inside to roast them.

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