Page 38 of Star Witch
‘We need to get to make-up,’ Barry told me.
‘Just give me a minute. Stay here.’
‘But…’
I ignored his protests and set off. When I reached Winter, he was trying hard not to stare. I twirled for full effect, almost losing my balance in the process. Winter reached out and grabbed me before I fell over. Slightly breathless, I grinned at him. ‘Whaddya think?’
Winter’s jaw worked. ‘What…?’ For once he was lost for words.
‘I’ve been press-ganged into becoming a contestant,’ I informed him. ‘I think I’m to play the role of evil slut.’ I grinned at him. ‘Of course, I’m sure you know where the word slut comes from.’
‘Huh?’ He blinked rapidly.
‘Slut,’ I said, rather enjoying myself. ‘What’s the etymology of the word?’
Winter shook his head in disbelief. ‘I have no idea. It’s not something I’ve ever thought about.’
‘Well,’ I informed him airily, ‘technically it’s of dubious origin and possibly generates from the German wordschluttmeaning slovenly woman. But there’s also an argument to be made for the Swedish termslatawhich translates as idle woman.’ I beamed triumphantly. ‘It’s like these people see right through me.’
Winter’s mouth flattened into a grim line. ‘I can see right through you! Right through that dress anyway. You can’t wear that!’
‘Wardrobe Lady made me put it on. She doesn’t like me very much.’
Winter looked even more annoyed. ‘Every man on set will be leering at you!’
I shrugged. ‘That’s their problem. Not mine.’
‘It’s…’ He suddenly halted. ‘Hang on,’ he said slowly. ‘What did you say? You’re a contestant?
‘It was either that or be thrown off set.’ I tried to look apologetic. ‘Sorry.’
‘No, this is brilliant. Well done, Ivy.’
I smiled again. ‘Thank you.’ Then I hesitated. ‘Why is it brilliant?’
‘We’ve not been able to get close to any of the contestants. After Alberts was killed, I’m sure the police interviewed them all but the Order hasn’t been given access. Considering it was a contestant who was murdered, and that the contestants are all here ostensibly because they can use at least some magic, it’s quite possible that one or more of them is involved.’ He rubbed his chin. ‘Even if they’re not, they might still be targeted by our would-be necromancer. If you’re one of them, you’ll be able to investigate them and protect them at the same time.’
I hate multi-tasking. ‘Or I could make them all my bitches and have them running at my beck and call.’
Winter frowned in exasperation. ‘Did you see the papers this morning? Someone has been talking to the press. Not to mention allegedly buying cigarettes for some children. You should take some time before this afternoon to find out who. Anyone who would stoop that low is bound to have sneakier plans. Perhaps not necromancy, but it’s a slippery slope to evil, Ivy.’
‘Mmm.’ I started to fidget. I needed to change the subject. ‘Do we have any information on who our zombie was?’
Winter muttered something under his breath at the z word. ‘He was a local man who died just over two years ago in a farming accident. I have spoken to his family and there’s no magical connection with them and no reason to believe he was specifically targeted. The Order will keep looking into it but I don’t think we’re going to draw any leads that way.’ He shrugged. ‘All indications suggest his rising was due to chance and perhaps opportunity. There is nothing to suggest he was chosen for a reason.’
For some reason that disturbed me more than if his body had been specifically selected. Lack of clear motive meant that the person behind this could have much grander designs for bringing the dead back to life. Grander designs that I doubted would be warm or fluffy for the rest of us. I tugged at the bodice of my dress, irritated by the scratchy material, and sighed.
‘Do you really have to wear that?’ Winter enquired.
‘It’s not that bad.’
He harrumphed. ‘You look like you’re serving yourself up on a platter.’
Wincing slightly, I smoothed down the skirt. ‘Let’s not talk about humans as food while there are zombies around, shall we?’
‘I told you,’ he began, ‘it’s not zomb—’
‘What gives?’ Moonbeam marched over, interrupting Winter and glaring at me. ‘I’m supposed to be the replacement! All that work I put in and they chose you instead?’ His voice dripped with disdain. ‘You!’
