Ophelia P. I. (Book 1): A Witch Cozy Mystery (Ophelia P.I.) by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Twisted Key Publishing, LLC
Published: 2024-10-30T00:00:00+00:00

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For the second time in as many nights, Ophelia found herself at Rabbit’s. The club was just as crowded as before, with all tables filled and a scant few seats left at the bar. A smokey haze surrounded the patrons, giving the lights and performers on stage an ethereal tinge. She took one of the remaining stools at the bar and ferreted a cigarette from her pocket.

The bartender took notice of the newcomer and circled around to greet her. His soft face and light hair were strikingly familiar, and Ophelia struggled to remember his name.

“Oh! Ms. Windsor, right? Great to see you!” He grinned.

She was usually much better with names than this. This case was really getting under her skin. “I’m sorry. I fear I’m at a disadvantage.”

He snatched a lighter from his pocket and held it beneath Ophelia’s cigarette. “I’m sure you see a hundred faces a day, ma’am. It’s no trouble. I’m Ray. Ray Wiltsey. We met at the factory the other day.”

“Of course! Mr. Wiltsey. I’m so sorry,” Ophelia shook her head and stole a quick puff of her cigarette. “You’re right. I feel like I’ve seen a hundred faces already this week.”

Ray nodded sympathetically. “It sounded like a tough case you’re on.”

Ophelia recalled his mechanic’s uniform, now swapped for a smart black vest over a long-sleeved white button-up. His hair still had its modern styling, his bangs just above his eyes. “You clean up nicely,” she complimented.

Ray blushed, leaning his elbows on the counter. “That’s kind of you to say.” He chuckled. “What can I get you to drink?”

“Just your house red, Mr. Wiltsey. Thank you,” she replied. While he snagged a glass and poured it with the deep red tonic, she wondered aloud, “I’m surprised to see you here. I never imagined a mechanic would need a second job.”

Gracefully placing Ophelia’s glass on a cocktail napkin, Ray shrugged one shoulder. “You’re right. I don’t really need it. But this gig is swell, and I enjoy keeping busy.”

“I imagined you with a cute wife at home,” Ophelia admitted.

Ray laughed, a cheerful sound that lifted Ophelia’s spirits. “I’m supposed to be the one sweet-talking you, Ms. Windsor! No. I haven’t gone steady with anyone in some time. But that’s alright. I’m not in any rush.”

“You have a good head on your shoulders, Mr. Wiltsey.” Ophelia sipped her wine and cradled her cigarette in her fingers. “I know you’re off the clock, but is Hawthorne Works up and running again?”

He picked up a cleaning rag from a nearby sink and methodically washed and wiped the glasses stacking up on the countertop. “Yes, ma’am. They opened their doors again just this morning. Everything’s running clean as a whistle.”

“Good to hear.”

“Real shame what happened. I wish I could be more help.”

“Then you’d leave someone like me out of a job.” Ophelia smiled. “But there is one thing you could do for me. You said Paul Johnson fixed the machine last week. What’s the name of the third person on your team?”

"Oh, that’s right.

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