Page 105 of Last Witch Attempt
“She’s stepping up her attacks. She knows we’re coming for her.” I hopped to my feet. “I want to talk to the wife. She might be able to point us in the direction of the next victim.”
Steve hesitated. “I’m not sure I can explain your presence for an interrogation,” he hedged.
“Say I’m a consultant, or your assistant. Landon does it all the time.”
Steve’s eyes swung to Landon.
“I wouldn’t sayallthe time,” Landon countered. “You’re the authority figure. The woman is in shock. She won’t question you.”
“Okay.” Steve still didn’t look convinced.
I glanced at Mom. “Lock down the inn. Keep Peg and Winchester inside. I doubt the naiad will come here, but…”
Mom bobbed her head. “What about Millie?”
She was right to worry. Millie was a greater threat to her than the naiad. “Just talk to her. Don’t let Aunt Tillie run her mouth.”
“Hey!” Aunt Tillie barked. “I never run my mouth.”
I ignored her. “Tell her I would like to speak with her. If she gives you a hard time, let her go. If she agrees to a meeting, text me.”
“Okay.” Mom pressed the heel of her hand to her forehead. “We can do this.”
“We can,” I agreed. “It will be done by the end of the day. Don’t push Millie. Remember, deep down, she’s Aunt Tillie. Shewon’t want to hurt you, but if backed into a corner, she may believe she has no choice.”
“Maybe I’ll be able to get through to her.” Mom looked hopeful.
“Stranger things have happened.”Although I wouldn’t hold your breath,I silently added.
WENDY TRAVIS WAS YOUNG—in her early thirties—and her face was red and splotchy from tears. Her blonde hair looked straggly, as if she hadn’t showered yet, and she was dressed in fuzzy sleep pants.
“Obviously, the naiad got here before they started getting ready for the day,” Landon said.
I looked around. Hunter Ryan, Stormy’s fiancée, was near the front door of the house, talking to a girl who couldn’t be more than three or four. As if sensing me, he turned slowly and met my gaze.
He nodded, put his hand on the girl’s shoulder, then ushered her to her mother. Wendy broke into uncontrollable sobs when her daughter was back by her side and sank to the ground.
“Hey.” Hunter managed a flat smile as he approached. He was well aware of the paranormal world thanks to his association with Stormy. They were learning on the job together. “I’m surprised to see you guys here.” He darted a worried look to Steve and Spencer, who stood several feet away, staring at the house.
I didn’t want Steve looking too closely at Hunter, because that would invariably lead him to Stormy.
“Yes, I’m working with Landon and his boss on an investigation. I’m serving as a consultant.”
Hunter’s eyebrows moved toward one another. “I see.”
I looked at Steve, who wasn’t yet looking in our direction. “Do not let on that you know about the magic,” I hissed.
Hunter looked taken aback. He followed my gaze, then nodded. “Nice to see you again.” He reached out and shook Landon’s hand. “It’s always nice to see you.”
That’s when I remembered I didn’t have to worry about Stormy in this particular instance. Hunter had a well-forged past with Chief Terry. I wouldn’t have to make up a reason as to why I knew him. Landon and Chief Terry were the bridge.
I let out the breath I’d been holding and grinned. “Yes, he’s always nice to see.”
Steve and Spencer picked that moment to cross over to us.
“You talked to the wife?” Steve asked Hunter. He didn’t introduce himself, so I assumed they already knew each other.
“I did,” Hunter confirmed. “She’s rattled, which is understandable. She claims a woman in a raggedy dress barreled into their house. She was stronger than she should’ve been. Maybe that was fear feeding her perception.” He shrugged. “She locked Wendy and Tori in a closet and left the house with Travis.”
