Page 21

C HAPTER 21

M ia scanned the audience as they wandered around with flute glasses filled with cocktails, juice, or sparkling water. The waitstaff Abigail had hired were actually pretty good. Mia wondered if mentioning that she was hiring part-time catering servers would be a breach of etiquette. Probably, and it would get back to the Twin Falls company Abigail borrowed the crew from. Which would only help Frank. She smiled and took a buffalo chicken cracker from a young girl who was passing by. “You’re doing awesome,” Mia told her, and the girl blushed.

“Thanks. This is my first real job.” She blanched. “I probably shouldn’t have said that. We were told to act professional.”

“Your secret is safe with me.” Mia let the girl continue and turned back to check on the stage. The work Trent, Levi, and Thomas had done was perfect. She’d envisioned having something like this in the backyard of the school but thought it was at least three years out. More, if the catering side of the business didn’t increase. But since the coven had paid for the enhancements, Mia was ahead of schedule. Okay, so that was something to be grateful for in this mess.

Grans stopped on her way to her seat with Robert by her side. “It all looks lovely, dear. Kind of like a fairy garden. I love the lights.”

Mia gave her grandmother a hug. “Thank you, but this isn’t me. Between Trent and his dad and brother and Jeani and Cheryl’s crew, they made it look this way. I was just thinking how incredible it is. I need to make sure I get some of the pictures from the photographer for our website.”

“You mean Abigail needs to remember.” Grans touched Mia’s forehead. “You’ve got too much going on up there. You need to let go of some things, or you’re going to burn out.”

Mia snorted. “Easier said than done. When I’m at work, I’m thinking about the business. When I’m at home, I’m thinking about work. It’s a vicious cycle.”

“Well, I think I have an answer to at least part of that.” Grans’s eyes twinkled with the hanging lights. “I’ll be over first thing in the morning to get everything set up.”

“Wait, it’s not furniture?” Mia tried to keep the disappointment out of her voice.

“No, it’s not furniture. Why would you think that? Anyway, it’s a surprise. I’ll see you in the morning. Have a great show.” Grans took Robert’s arm, and they moved toward the front rows of seats.

Bambi had blocked off the first two rows for family, so Mia watched as they sat near the aisle on the third row. Robert, again, hadn’t said anything. Either he was really shy, or he didn’t like her. Mia couldn’t tell which was the case.

Abigail joined her and brushed cracker crumbs off Mia’s dress. “It’s actually happening. I wasn’t sure there for a while. When Carla was killed, I thought they’d shut the contest down then. I don’t think they’re going to find who was doing all the spell casting, but maybe this group will be held up as examples, so it doesn’t happen again.”

Mia scanned the area. “I’m not sure it’s all over yet.”

“What do you mean?” Abigail followed her gaze. “Do you see something?”

“No, just a feeling.” Mia turned back to Abigail. “You did a great job with this event. Congratulations.”

“Oh, you know the saying, it takes a village. It wasn’t just me. Everyone chipped in. I’m just good at telling people what to do.” Abigail sipped her drink.

“Telling us what to do is one of Abbie’s best qualities.” Thomas came up behind Abigail and engulfed her in a hug. “She’s always trying it with me. I just don’t listen when I should.”

“And that’s one of your worst qualities.” Abigail leaned up for a quick kiss. Then she spun around and ran her hands across her husband’s suit jacket. “You look hot.”

“I’m surprised you noticed. I am a little warm under the lights,” Thomas teased.

Abigail put a hand on his chest. “You never could take a compliment without turning it into a joke.”

“I only care what you think, my dear. And if you think I look hot, I’m going to wear this suit around the house for the next week or so.” He nodded to the stage, where Bambi was moving toward the mic. “That looks like my cue to get the judges settled. I’ll go get Zeus. He’s sitting inside, out of the heat. It’s unusually warm for an October evening.”

Mia watched as everyone turned toward Bambi and her announcement. In the very front, a young woman helped Elly Sellers into a chair and sat next to her. The woman appeared to be fully present—at least for right now. Mia hoped Elly would be able to see and remember Melody’s performance tonight. At least the talent portion.

No matter what, the playing field was completely fair tonight. Anyone who had even tried to affect the outcome had been attacked. Carla was dead. Marnie had just been released from the hospital yesterday and was already sitting in the front row on the opposite side of Elly Sellers. Tatiana wasn’t here, but the rest of the family had shown up for Crissy, and they filed into the empty seats next to Rachel’s family.

Mia met Abigail’s eyes. “And here we go.”

* * *

They were down to the final announcement. Three of the girls—Kristin, Anne, and Rachel—had been eliminated. Mia wondered if their parents’ actions had knocked them out of the running—but maybe not, since Crissy was still in the mix. And grinning like she’d just swallowed the canary. Or like she was the cat—Mia didn’t know the exact saying.

Crissy, Amie, and Melody were standing together, holding hands. Amie was crying, she was so nervous. Melody kept her eyes on her grandmother. Watching for signs. It made Mia’s heart hurt. Even on this night, Melody was being a caretaker. How was she ever going to have her own life?

Zeus looked at all the papers the other judges had sent him at the front of the table. Bambi had shown Mia the judges’ scoring sheet. They went by points up to the top three, then each judge used a second sheet to rank his favorites. So, first, second, and third.

Mia had asked Bambi about ties, and she’d laughed. “Most of the time, the judges all have the same first place. It’s second and third that might need some tallying.”

If Mia was a judge, Melody would win the contest. But she knew that Crissy was a close second. Amie was a wild card. She’d been quiet during the week so Mia hadn’t really noticed her until she got onstage. Then she’d glowed. Some people were just better during the actual event.

Mia hadn’t sat down all evening. She was standing near the back of the seating area, watching people. Abigail stood on the other side of her, and Trent and Levi were in front of the audience, but standing on either sides of the stage, looking like well-dressed bodyguards.

Nothing had happened. Yet. Mia still had a bad feeling.

Zeus handed Brandon a slip of paper, and then Brandon took the stage. He talked about how wonderful it had been to get to know all the contestants and that the future was looking bright for Magic Springs with these types of women getting ready to take over the world.

Several people in the audience rolled their eyes. Apparently, this was his usual speech, no matter what the event. The words stayed the same; only the names were changed. Mia chuckled at the reaction. Finally, he got down to business. “The second runner-up is . . . Amie Masters. Please give Amie a round of applause as she returns to the Royal Hall on the right side of the stage.”

Last year’s winner placed a small tiara on Amie’s head, put a sash around her neck, and then gave her a bouquet of flowers. All the girls had practiced this part of the event, but Amie was now crying so hard, Mia worried she wouldn’t see the edge of the stage as she did her walk.

Brandon waited for Amie to arrive safely with the other princesses. Then he stepped back to the microphone. “The first runner-up is the person who will be there to step in if our reigning queen is unable to fulfill her responsibilities.”

He paused and looked at Crissy and Melody. “Each of you would make an excellent harvest queen, but there was just something more in one of you that pushed that person over the top. The harvest queen for this year is . . . Melody Sellers. Congratulations to Crissy Evans for being our first runner-up.”

The former queen put a small tiara on Crissy’s head, placed the banner around her neck, and gave her the bouquet of flowers. Then, when Crissy didn’t move, she pushed her toward the side. Crissy looked shell-shocked but her feet finally started to work, and she smiled. Just not as big of a smile as she’d had a few minutes ago. The girl had expected to win.

As everyone waited for Crissy to return to the Royal Hall, last year’s winner hugged Melody and put the large crown on her head. Melody looked more shocked than Crissy had, and her grandmother stood and clapped for her as she strolled down the runway then back up to the stage, where the other girls came out and hugged her. Only one princess held back—Crissy.

The dark horse had won the competition, continuing her family’s tradition of serving as harvest queen. Mia just hoped Melody’s reign would be less traumatic than Sherry’s. The event was over, and they hadn’t had a second death. Mia called that a win.

She moved over to Abigail, who was greeting people as they left. She waited for her to be free, then stepped closer. “So, a surprise ending, huh?”

“Maybe for some people. I’ve been rooting for Melody all this time. She deserved the win. Here she comes with her grandmother.”

The aide Mia had seen before was on one side of Elly Sellers, and Melody was on the other. Melody was telling her grandmother that she’d be home as soon as she changed and gathered up her things.

Bambi broke in. “Melody, we need you up front again. We’re doing pictures.”

The woman who was helping Elly waved Melody off. “Don’t worry about a thing. I’ll get her home, and my relief is coming at nine. We won’t leave her alone.”

Elly snorted. “You all worry too much about an old lady. Melody, go celebrate your win. And make sure you get the paperwork on that scholarship. We need to get you off to college next fall.”

Apparently, it was a good day for both Melody and Elly Sellers. Melody hugged her and told her she’d be home as soon as possible. Melody and Bambi took off for the front, and Elly Sellers leaned against her caregiver. “What a nice night. So glad the event was fair this year. Sometimes kids just don’t have a fighting chance.”

Mia squeezed Elly’s hand. “I couldn’t agree more. Thank you so much for coming tonight.”

“I wouldn’t miss this for the world. Wasn’t Sherry beautiful tonight?”

The aide sighed and sadly smiled at Mia as she answered, “She was gorgeous.”

As they went to the parking lot to leave, Abigail shook her head. “That poor girl.”

“I know, right? I’m so glad she won this. Now she can go to school wherever she wants. The coven just needs to take care of Elly.” Mia glanced around the quickly emptying area. The school doors had been closed with signs directing everyone to leave through the parking lot. Mia glanced at her watch. It was just after nine. “Should we gather the gang for a debrief?”

“Can we do it Monday night? Thomas and I have late dinner reservations at the Lodge.” Abigail twirled in the blue sparkling dress. “Since we’re dressed up, I thought we should take advantage of it.”

“That’s a great idea. I wish I’d thought of it.” She felt someone behind her, and Trent leaned down to kiss her neck.

“Actually, you didn’t have to. We’re doing a double date with Christina and Levi at the steakhouse over in Sun Valley. They went ahead to hold the reservation, and we’re supposed to follow as soon as we get everyone out of here. So, go find Bambi and have her help you round up the stragglers. Mom, I’ll stop by Sunday morning for breakfast. Mia wants me to go looking for one of her old boyfriends she’s lost.” Trent shooed Mia toward the door. She hurried through the gym, checking the bathrooms for people as she went. When she got to the reception area, Crissy and her aunt were leaving through the front door.

Mia called out, but they didn’t respond. But then Crissy turned, and Mia saw the tears on her cheeks. “We’ll see you tomorrow for the parade.”

Crissy nodded, and the door shut. As Mia was moving toward the stairs, she saw the storage room door open. She went back and turned on the lights. “Hello? Is anyone in here?”

No one answered, so she walked through the room. Nobody was in there, but as she walked back through the room, she saw the dead bolt to the door leading to the parking lot had been turned.

Had someone just used the door to leave, shutting it after them? But if so, why? She opened the door and saw a string of cars in the lot, trying to leave. No one was standing in the bushes. Which was a good thing. Mia hadn’t thought about that when she’d opened the door. She relocked the door, then left the storage room, turning off lights as she went. Tomorrow she’d check the video surveillance and see what had happened.

She headed upstairs to make sure the rest of the contestants and Bambi were on their way out.

Mia didn’t mention the unlocked door to Trent until they were on their way back from dinner.

“Why didn’t you say something?” He turned to look at her in the darkened truck cab. “What if someone had been out there?”

“I would have said something then. Look, maybe one of the families knew about the door and thought it was fun to use it. Or used it as a shortcut to their car. Anyway, I made sure everyone was out before we left the school. Cerby and Mr. Darcy are upstairs in the apartment as secure as we can make them with the Dorian factor. And we had a nice dinner without worrying about anything for once.” Mia paused. “Except now I’m worried about Brad. I think someone has kidnapped him and is holding him hostage here in Magic Springs for some reason.”

“And that scenario is more likely than that he got cold feet because he recently moved in with a long-term girlfriend?” Trent asked.

“When you put it like that, no. But that’s what my vision showed me.” Mia rolled her shoulders. She was tired and ready to give up for the day.

“That vision spell can be co-opted if you’re already worried about something. Didn’t your grandmother tell you not to use it on your own problems?” Trent turned down the music so they could talk.

“Yeah, but I didn’t understand why.” Mia turned toward him, watching his profile in the dim light.

Trent laughed. “This is why. That’s why we have others help us. You put your own fears into the spell, and the vision will show you what you’re most afraid of. That’s probably why the wax covered the picture. It needed to stop the vision before you went further.”

“Do you think that’s true?” Mia didn’t have the experience Trent had, but she’d seen Brad. And he’d talked to her. Then what had been bothering her came to the surface. “Oh, no. That’s what was wrong. I couldn’t put my finger on it. The Brad in my vision knew I was a witch and was doing a spell to find him. He shouldn’t know I’m a witch. I never told him.”

“Exactly. That was your subconscious talking to you and filling in what it thought you wanted to hear.” He turned the truck onto the road that would take them home. “So, what time should I pick you up in the morning?”

“Grans is coming at eight, but now I don’t think it’s to bring me furniture. She said she was bringing a gift, but she wouldn’t say much more.” She thought about their interaction. “Hey, does Robert talk to you?”

“When he’s around? Sure. We talk about the weather and golf. He loves to play. Why?”

“He doesn’t talk to me. I’m beginning to get a complex.”

Trent didn’t say anything, but Mia could feel that he wanted to.

They were getting close to the school. “Okay, spill.”

“You asked for it. I’ve never seen you instigate a conversation with him. It’s all toward your grandmother. I think he thinks you don’t like him. That you’re in the Dorian camp. Especially since Dorian actually lives in your apartment.” Trent pulled the truck into the parking lot. “I’ll follow you up and grab Cerby.”

“You could stay for a while.” Mia slipped out of the truck and unlocked the front door.

He chuckled as he shut the door behind him. “Maybe tomorrow night. I’m beat. Being helpful all day has taken it out of me. Not to mention looking for any of the hundred signs Mom listed off.”

“She was thorough.” Mia glanced toward the storage room, but the door appeared to be closed.

“Do you want me to check it out?”

She sighed. “If you don’t, I’ll have to. Now it’s in my brain.”

“I’ll check the door and be right up. Go on up and see if Cerby and Mr. Darcy have killed each other yet.”

Mia hurried up the stairs but saw a light on in the prep room. She walked in, and the room was empty. No makeup or brushes on the table. There was a lot of trash in the room, but nothing else. The contest was over, and the girls had moved on. She turned off the light and closed the door. She’d call Bambi tomorrow or Jeani and see when the rental company was coming to pick up the furniture.

As she unlocked the apartment door, she heard Trent’s steps behind her. “Everything okay?”

“It’s fine.” He leaned down and caught Cerby as he flew out the door. “Hey, buddy, ready to head home?”

Cerby barked at him. Which either meant “yes” or “I need to pee.” Or, Mia thought, maybe both.

“I’ll see you in the morning.” She kissed him. “Lock the front door as you leave?”

He dangled his keys. “I was already planning on it. Sleep well.”

Mia tried to follow his advice, but she rolled over after a couple of hours and stared at Mr. Darcy. “What’s wrong with me that I can’t sleep?”

The cat must have been annoyed at her constant movement, because he jumped down and ran out of the room. Christina was staying over with Levi tonight. Abigail had gone home, as had Grans, so it was just the two of them in the apartment. And she had just run off her cat.