The Midsummer Murders by Jill Nojack

Author:Jill Nojack [Nojack, Jill]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: IndieHeart Press
Published: 2020-03-30T16:00:00+00:00

14

Twink was tired of Natalie’s eyes boring into the back of her head every time she turned away. Even though Ms. Mean had pretended to accept the answers about her dream after an hour-long interrogation—like Twink could possibly be some kind of life-sucking, mummy-making creature from the dark side—she knew Natalie hadn’t taken her eyes off of her for the past two hours.

She finished wrapping up the machine-crocheted spider-web shawl that a guy with black kohl around his eyes and a bouffant hairdo had just purchased. She couldn’t decide if it was for a girlfriend or for him. He’d looked cute wrapped up in it when he’d thrown it around his shoulders to check it out. “Don’t forget to tell your friends about Cat’s Magical Shoppe. Get all your magical needs filled in Giles!”

He gave her a smile as he picked up his bag and strolled away. Definitely for him, she decided, watching the playful roll in his hips.

“Natalie, I need to run back to my place and get my hair comb. All this hair is just getting in my way.” She pushed a marauding curl back as she talked.

“You can’t wait until break time?”

She sighed heavily. “If I have to...”

“Fine, go on. You did a good job stocking today, I have to admit. Everything is in its place.” Natalie ran a finger along a shelf. “And dust-free. Yes, exemplary work. Go get what you need.”

She didn’t want to bother Daria to unlock the now re-locked hallway door, so she walked around the side of the building to the back to get to the outside one that was the main entrance to the apartment.

Once she was in her room, she grabbed the comb out of her jewelry box and wrapped her hair into a loose bun as she walked back to the shop, affixing it on top of her head with the comb just before she entered.

A caw behind her made her turn around. “You again? You stupid crows! It’s bad enough I dream about you!”

She entered the store to find Natalie staring at her, eyes narrowed. And then the old witch reached out and grabbed for the comb, pulling her hair as she yanked it away.

“What’s wrong with you, you old bat?”

“Old bat, am I? We’ll see about that. Where did you get this and how long have you had it?”

“I bought it the day I asked you for an advance. Like, a week ago? You’ve seen me wear it before.”

“Maybe I have. But I’m seeing it in a different light now. Where did you get it?”

“At the consignment shop. Ling’s Things.”

Natalie advanced on her, coming way too close for Twink’s comfort. She backed up, but there was no place to go but out, and she didn’t think that would be a good idea right at the moment with the crows crowding into the doorway.

Natalie moved forward and took up the space between them again. “You knew there was magic in this, didn’t you? And don’t lie to me, young lady.

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