Page 59 of Seven Secret Spellcasters
Mia grabbed a fourth slice and ate it a little slower. “Christina, you look amazing. The dress is going to fit like a glove. You have a second one for Friday night?”
“Of course, and so do you and Finn. Thanks for ruining the surprise.” Christina smiled as Finn almost dropped her slice of pizza.
“I get to come on Friday? But I don’t have a car. I work at the Lodge that night.” Finn set the slice on the plate.
“I already talked to James, and you can ride with me and Trent. We’re driving back after the party.”
Trent held up his hand. “Mia always volunteers me to be the designated driver,” he grumbled.
“No need for you kids to come back, Thomas and I will be coming back. Finn can ride with us,” Abigail announced. “Besides, I reserved both couples a room at the Owyhee. We’ll see you Saturday midday. You need to be back for Mary Alice’s party.”
Mia winced. She didn’t want to stay in Boise, especially not at the hotel where she used to work with Isaac, but giving Finn a ride home had been her only excuse. Christina was watching, so she smiled at Abigail. “Oh, what a surprise. Thank you so much.”
After everyone had left and the kitchen was cleaned up, Trent walked her upstairs. He’d sent Cerby home with Christina and Levi. Buddy would follow them back to the house. The two were inseparable. Finn had disappeared into her bedroom as soon as the kitchen was closed up, and Mia had heard the screams of joy when she’d found Christina’s gifts.
“Everyone seemed like they were having fun tonight. How has it been having Levi and Christina staying with you?” Mia asked as she unlocked the apartment door. Mr. Darcy looked up from where he’d been sleeping and yawned. But when he saw they were without Cerby, he laid his head down and went back to sleep.
“Interesting. Mostly quiet, but when she starts talking, she doesn’t stop. They’re planning a cruise to Alaska next summer and want us to come along.” He sat on the couch, apparently not ready to leave her yet.
“That might be nice. Depending on Cerby and Buddy.” Mia headed to the kitchen. “Do you want a soda or a glass of wine?”
“Soda, please,” he called back. “I think wine would put me out right here on the couch.”
She brought out two cans and a plate of cookies. Then she curled up next to him. “I haven’t figured out why Howard was here a day early. And why the National Office blew off sending someone else to do the investigation. But I wondered, do you think it was because of my score on the exam? Since you’re my boyfriend?”
“I’ve been wondering that too.” He rubbed her arm gently. “You freaked me out by visiting Edmund Pevensie yesterday. I should have trusted your gut.”
“Probably. But my ‘innate talent’ is going to take some getting used to for both of us. You don’t think they made a mistake? Maybe I’m not the genius they think I am.” She laid her head on his shoulder. “I don’t believe Edmund killed Howard. They were too close, and he was so sad at losing his friend.”
“Emotion isn’t a valid alibi in a court case. I think Mark needs more than that.” He sipped his soda. “Like an actual killer to take the blame.”
“Too bad.” Mia leaned away from him. “Hey, you didn’t answer my other question. Do you think they made a mistake on my test?”
“I will never question your ability or what level the examination process gave you. My mother taught me better than that.”
She slugged him in his arm.
* * *
Mark texted just as she’d finished the first appetizer on her prep list the next morning.
She washed her hands, then opened his text. It only was two words long.Call me.
Mia held her phone up for Abigail to see. “I’ll be right back.”
When she got to the sofa, she sat down and called him. “What’s up?”
“Don’t be mad. I know you have Christina’s party tonight, but can you come with me to Twin for lunch? I found someone who might have seen our victim the day he was killed.”
Mia thought about her prep list. She was almost done. She thought Abigail had made hers a little lighter just in case she needed to help Finn. But the girl was doing fine. And from the excited chatter about the party and her dress, she was in a great mood. “What time can you pick me up?”
As Mia settled into Mark’s truck thirty minutes later, she pulled on her seat belt. “People are going to talk if you keep asking me out to meals.”
“I feel bad taking up your time. Besides, Sarah knows every step I make and with whom. She’ll shut any rumors down, believe me.” He glanced over at her. “Trent’s not upset I’m involving you in the investigation, is he?”
Mia laughed as she watched the trees go by while they drove. “Not in the least. He’s more upset when I’m solo investigating.” Mia explained her visit to Edmund Pevensie and what she’d learned. When Mark didn’t respond, she looked over at him. He was rubbing his temples. “Do you have a headache?”
“I do now,” he responded. “I’m trying to think how I’m going to write up the statement of an incubus in the official file.”
