Page 18 of Paws and Claws

"Tabitha! And Sheriff Blackmane..." Fred's smile faltered slightly under Dominic's intense stare.

"Fred," Dominic's deep voice commanded attention. "We need to ask you about the accident last week."

"Oh, that was terrible! Sarah, Marcus, and Jenny - they're all regulars. Sarah's got that sweet tabby with the crooked tail, and Marcus brings his poodle in for grooming every month."

Tabitha leaned against the counter, trying to ignore how Dominic's presence seemed to fill the tiny shop. "They're okay though, right?"

"Thank goodness, yes. Just shaken up. Strangest thing - they all said they felt confused, like their minds went fuzzy all of a sudden."

"Was anyone unusual around when it happened?" Dominic stepped closer, and Tabitha caught a whiff of his cologne - something woodsy and masculine that made her pulse quicken traitorously.

Fred scratched his head. "Come to think of it, there was a woman I didn't recognize. Standing right on that corner." He pointed through the window. "Had a motorcycle helmet on, but I remember seeing purple hair sticking out."

Tabitha's magic crackled, making the nearest row of cat toys rattle. Someone was definitely setting her up. But why? She'd pulled pranks, sure, but nothing to warrant this level of payback.

"You okay?" Dominic's hand brushed her arm, and her magic settled instantly at his touch.

"Just great." She forced a smile. "I love being framed for magical mayhem. Really adds some spice to my life."

His eyes narrowed. "We'll figure this out."

The 'we' shouldn't have made her feel better, but it did. Even if it came from Mr. By-The-Book himself.

The bell jangled as they left Fred's pet shop, and Tabitha blinked against the bright sunlight. Her wild magic still buzzedunder her skin, agitated by the confirmation that someone was impersonating her around town.

"Mario's next?" She swung her leg over her motorcycle.

"You're not riding that." Dominic's voice carried that unmistakable note of authority that usually made her want to do exactly the opposite of what he said.

"Watch me." She reached for her keys.

His hand closed over hers, warm and firm. "You're officially helping with a police investigation now. That means you ride with me."

"In your boring squad car?" But her protest lacked its usual fire. His touch sent little sparks through her.

"Consider it your first lesson in following procedure." His lips twitched. "I know it's a foreign concept."

"Fine." She yanked her hand away, ignoring how cold it felt without his touch.

At Mario's, the hostess - a pretty redhead named Rachel - greeted them with a nervous smile. The restaurant smelled of garlic and fresh bread, making Tabitha's stomach growl.

"The mice shifters were such sweethearts," Rachel said, wringing her hands. "They'd just left the front entrance when these... things appeared."

"Things?" Dominic asked, raising his eyebrow.

"Like ghosts, but wrong somehow." Rachel shuddered. "They moved weird, like they were glitching. And their faces..." She trailed off.

Tabitha leaned forward. "Their faces what?"

"They all had the same face. Exactly the same. Like copies." Rachel's eyes went distant. "They surrounded the group, and suddenly everyone was screaming and throwing their wallets and jewelry at them."

Dominic's jaw tightened. "Mass hysteria spell."

"Combined with illusion magic." Tabitha's wild magic stirred, recognizing the signature of the spell work. "That's some serious power. Way more controlled than anything I could do by myself."

"Were any of the mice shifters hurt?" Dominic asked.

"No, they were all fine, thank goodness. Just scared and robbed." Rachel paused. "Though one of them mentioned seeing a woman with purple hair under a motorcycle helmet at the corner just before it happened."

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