Spellbinding Starters by Annabel Chase

Author:Annabel Chase [Chase, Annabel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Red Palm Press LLC
Published: 2019-07-04T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

We found Margaret O’Neill on the tennis court at the Chipping Cheddar Country Club. She was mid-match against her instructor, the athletic and attractive Lance Hardaway. I wondered whether Margaret had any inkling that she was playing against a werewolf.

Lance sniffed the air as we approached. He cut me a curious glance when he saw me approach with Chief Fox.

“Is that you, Eden?” Margaret huffed as she whacked the ball across the court.

“Hi, Mrs. O’Neill,” I said. “Good hit.” I had no idea if that was the accepted expression. I knew next to nothing about tennis.

“It’s Ms. Kowalski now,” she said. “I finally went back to my maiden name a couple years ago. Seemed silly to keep the name when I didn’t keep the man.” She made eyes at Lance. She didn’t seem to realize that Lance played for the other team—and I didn’t just mean tennis.

“I’m sorry about the chief,” I said. Divorced or not, I knew Margaret had to be struggling to come to terms with his sudden death.

“Thank you.” She slammed the ball across the court with such force that Lance actually missed the return.

“I absolutely adore your intensity, Margaret,” Lance said.

Margaret curtsied in response.

Chief Fox cleared his throat. I’d almost forgotten he was standing next to me.

“May I introduce the new chief?” I said. “Chief Fox, this is Margaret, Chief O’Neill’s ex-wife.”

Lance’s gaze travelled over the chief. “Well, aren’t you precious?” He tossed his racquet over his shoulder and crossed the court to shake the chief’s hand. “Lance Hardaway. If you have any interest in joining the country club, I can definitely pull the necessary strings.”

“It’s not that kind of club,” I said. “Anybody can join.” As long as they could afford the fees.

“Nice to meet you both,” Chief Fox said. “Ms. Kowalski, would you mind if I asked you a few questions about your husband? He left a lot of paperwork and I’m trying to make my way through it. It would be helpful to have your input.”

“Of course, dear.” She sashayed off the court, swinging her wide hips for Lance’s benefit. Bless her.

Chief Fox glanced at Lance. “Would you mind giving us a few minutes? Maybe grab yourself a drink.”

“How about I get you one while I’m at it, you thirsty boy?”

“I think you’re the one who’s thirsty, Lance,” I said pointedly.

“I’ll take a water,” Chief Fox said. “Thanks.” He seemed oblivious to Lance’s efforts to charm him.

Lance headed back to the club with a spring in his step.

“What is it you need to know?” Margaret asked. She dropped onto the bench, letting her fatigue show now that Lance was gone.

“According to documents in my possession, you’re still the recipient of your ex-husband’s insurance policy,” the chief said.

I watched Margaret closely for a reaction.

“That doesn’t surprise me in the least,” she said. “He was never good about following through with things. Why do you think I’m the one who filed for divorce? If I didn’t take care of something during our marriage, it didn’t happen.

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