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“What did you tell her?” Ez inquired.

“That we worked for the distribution company and they asked me to pose for the label,” Alice answered. “Unfortunately, they’re in distribution too, and it’s a matter of time before they figure it out.”

“So what?” Hugo asked. “They already knew we had the magical barrier at the door. They already know you’re a witch. What are they going to do?”

“Hopefully, nothing,” Alice said. “I hope they’re not looking for something more.” Her face turned expressionless as she focused on a spot on the table.

“They couldn’t know,” Hugo reassured her. He extended his hands across the table and grabbed her hands. “There’s no way they know.”

“We have to assume they do know,” Ez said.

“What if they don’t?” Hugo asked. “We treat everything like normal. There are a lot of witches and wizards, right? For all they know, someone else could have it.”

“Are you trying to make me feel better?” Alice asked.

“Possibly,” Hugo responded.

“We should still be cautious,” Ez added.

“Look, we’ll keep an eye on them. Besides, you had a vampire boyfriend before. Maybe they’re just looking for a quiet place to live,” Hugo said.

“Honestly, I should have staked him while I had the chance,” Alice said.

“What did he do?” Hugo asked.

“Cheated on me,” Alice replied. “I already know what I’m going to do to you if you cheat.” She picked up her cup and winked at him.

Hugo sat upright. He held his breath, astonished at her remarks.

“I’m joking. I know you won’t cheat on me,” Alice said.

“Honestly, I’m offended that you think I would,” Hugo said as he relaxed into a smile. He winked back.

Ez set her cup down. “If you two are done flirting, you can take me to lunch.”

“I know where we shouldn’t go for—” Hugo trailed off.

He paused. A thought occurred to him. If those ghouls were spying on them and people mysteriously became sick, they might be overlooking Sylvia and Sebastian’s next move. The one place where, if the Savinos were to strike, they would immediately attack.

The Raskins.

“We have to go see the Raskins,” Hugo said.

“Why?” Alice said.

“If they were to do something, and they can’t get in here, what’s their next move? The Raskins,” Hugo said. “They know about the wine. They know where it’s sold. If they wanted to do anything, they’d apply pressure there. We need to tell them. We have to at least put the magical barrier on their house.”

“I agree,” Ez said. “It’s better to be prepared than caught off guard.”

Hugo and Ez glanced toward Alice.

She nodded. “I’ll get my stuff.” Alice stood from the table and headed for the basement door.

“We can stop there on the way to lunch,” Ez said. “Besides, I want to see your display in person.”

Chapter 8

Public Secrets