Page 32 of Charlotte's Story
“Thank you.” My aunt gave William a small smile and disappeared down the hall.
He settled next to me on the couch, not close enough that our legs were pressed together but close enough that he didn’t have to let go of my hand.
My phone buzzed with a message from Lizzy.
Riley told me something interesting I thought you should know.
What?
He said Dahlia found out something about Tessa. Riley was with her when Dahlia called and he heard her say, ‘Don’t tell anyone or I could lose my job.’
I don’t know about you, but that sounds like motive to me. At least it’s something worth looking into.
Tessa? My friend on the force? There was no way she’d do something like that.
Thanks. I’ll see what I can find out.
ChiyoObasanreappeared with her favorite silver tray with green holly berries embossed on it. It was an heirloom from Japan that had been enchanted to keep the food on it piping hot. She poured us both a cup of steaming matcha, then met my gaze. “Now, to what do I owe this pleasure?”
I shifted in my seat. “I’m not sure if you’ve heard yet, but—”
Her eyes widened as she poured me a cup. “You heard about the tree lighting festival as well?”
“Wait. What about it?” I blinked at her. Had ChiyoObasanreally heard about some drama in town before me? It was as impressive as it was unexpected.
“Everyone’s so worried since the ceremony is only two days away, and now they’re not sure if we can do it,” she said.
“Why not?” William asked.
My aunt met my gaze, her dark eyes grave. “The Star of Everlight is missing.”
Chapter 8
Williamfrowned.“Wehadn’theard anything about that.”
“Since when?” I asked.
“Apparently, it went missing last night.”
“The night of our wedding,” William murmured, running a hand through his disheveled brown curls.
I stiffened. Wait a minute. Maybe that was what Lady Catherine had meant when she mentioned that the town would regret not picking her for the ceremony. Had she tried to embroil William in her plot to get the Star of Everlight and that was why she’d called him back?
“Do you think this could have anything to do with Lady Catherine?” I asked slowly.
“No.” William shook his head, his hand dropping to trace his cuff again. “She’d never do something like that. Besides, why would Lady Catherine want the Star of Everlight?”
ChiyoObasansipped from her cup. “It’s a powerful talisman that was crafted centuries ago by a powerful high-born fae. It’sfilled with magic that protects Austen Heights and helps the town flourish. Since the star’s magic is strongest during the winter solstice, maybe whoever stole the star thought they could harness that somehow.”
I blew out a breath. Maybe William was right and the events were unrelated. I couldn’t figure out what they’d have to do with each other besides the fact that they happened on the same night, but that probably wasn’t enough to jump to a conclusion. Then again, I wasn’t sure I believed in coincidences.
“I take it that you had something else to tell me, Charlotte-chan.” ChiyoObasanoffered me adaifuku, my favorite New Year’s pastry with mochi, red bean paste, and strawberries.
William cleared his throat. “Someone was killed in town last night, and we’re here because we need a place to stay where Charlotte will be safe.”
I winced. Not like I needed to protect my family from reality, but even as I’d driven here, a small part of me had still hoped that the case would quietly sort itself out before they found out.
“And William,” I added. “Someone knew we’d be home last night and they tried to kill him. I didn’t feel like staying home was a good idea considering what happened, but I also didn’t want to lead the killer back to anywhere obvious.”
