What the Hex? (A Paranormal P.I. Mystery Book 1) (2 page)

The platinum blonde looked to be in her early thirties like me. Her red dress hugged every curve of her body. She stood in the middle of the office with a stunned expression on her face. When she spotted Derek I thought she might burst into tears. If he’d gotten her pregnant I’d definitely have to revisit that stuffing him in the car trunk idea.

“Derek, we got big problems,” the woman said as soon as she spotted him.

Derek glanced in my direction and then stepped over beside the woman. After taking her by the arm, he guided her toward a chair. “What happened, Paige?”

“The party last night…” Her voice trailed off as if she couldn’t even form the words.

He exchanged a look with me again. I tried not to give him a disapproving glare, but it was
so
hard. Threatening to call his mama should have been enough, but it looked as if I would have to follow through with that threat.

“Paige, this is my partner Cece Cash. Cece, this is Paige Baker.” Derek gestured.

I nodded. “Nice to meet you.”

Paige leaned down and put her head in her hands. “Amber is dead.”

“Amber?” Derek asked as if he had no clue who she was talking about.

Paige wiped the tears from her cheeks. “The blonde who was flirting with everyone at the party last night.”

I quirked a brow.

Derek avoided my stare. “Oh, yes. I remember her.” Derek didn’t sound convincing. He had probably flirted with so many women he couldn’t remember which one Paige meant. I figured he would tell Paige whatever she wanted to hear.

“What happened to her?” If Derek wasn’t going to get to the point I would.

Paige fidgeted with her hands. “The police found her in the trunk of her burned-out car in the desert. They think Morgan did it.”

“Morgan?” Again Derek sounded totally clueless.

“My best friend Morgan Stewart. Remember she owns the fitness club in town?”

“Right, right. Have they arrested Morgan?” Derek asked.

Paige tucked a strand of loose hair behind her ear. “No, that’s the thing… she’s gone.”

“So she took off when the police tried to arrest her?” I pressed.

George had stood from behind his desk and inched closer to us so that he wouldn’t miss a second of the story.

“I don’t know if Morgan even knows the police want to arrest her. She’s just missing,” Paige said with a wave of her hand.

I met Derek’s gaze again. “Are you sure she’s not just missing because she actually did kill the woman?”

“Morgan would never do something like that.” Paige stood and paced the length of the floor. “I need you to find her before the police do.” She turned to face us again. “I’m sure we can work all this out. Plus, you need to find the real killer. I’ll pay whatever it costs.”

So Derek’s shenanigans had led to a case. A missing person case seemed fairly straightforward, but finding a killer? That was a different story.

“Derek, may I speak with you in my office?” I motioned over my shoulder.

Derek pushed to his feet. “Just give us one second, Paige.” He followed me into the room and I closed the door behind us.

“How do you know this woman?” I whispered.

“Paige’s best friend owns the gym next to that new club I told you about,” Derek said.

“You’ve told me about a lot of clubs. Morgan owns the gym? That’s the woman you couldn’t remember?”

“I’m bad with names.” Derek ran his hand through his hair. “We should take the case and help her out. We’ll find Morgan and everything will be settled.”

I scoffed. “That easy, huh? What about Paige’s request to find the real killer?”

He leaned against the door. “The police will probably get around to that well before we do.”

“Okay, but if you get me arrested…” I sighed. “I just hope nothing goes wrong.”

“What could go wrong?” Derek asked.

After agreeing to take the case, Derek and I got to work right away. The few small assignments I’d had last week had all been resolved, so this one had come along at the right time. Paige had provided us a photo of Morgan and told us that she’d last been seen at the Mirage Casino. Now it was up to us to find her. I wished I had time for a good-luck spell, but that would have to wait until later.

“I’ll hold down the fort.” George stacked a pile of papers on his desk.

I wasn’t entirely sure that the papers even had anything to do with the agency. George would be on the phone with one of his girlfriends the minute we stepped out of the office. There were plenty of single ladies living at the retirement village who had their eyes on George. He was the most eligible bachelor at Desert Palms.

Yes, my aunt had left me her home in a senior living community. It wasn’t so bad. I was the youngest in the subdivision. Bingo night was kind of fun.

Witchcraft had started for me around fourteen. It began with reading books and then a few little spells. Naturally I had improved with age. At first I hadn’t used the word witch to describe myself. What fourteen-year-old wanted to be associated with green skin, warts, and a cackling laugh? Not exactly flattering. Now I was more comfortable with the title, although I still hid it from a lot of people. I couldn’t exactly put ‘Witch PI’ on my business cards, now could I?

No, I didn’t worship the devil. Actually, the thought of the devil was terrifying. No, thank you.

Over the years, I’d developed my own ideas about my craft. Most of my spells relied on positive thinking. Believing in magic could make it come true. At first, I hadn’t been sure what had drawn me to witchcraft. Now I knew I’d inherited my aunt’s genes. The rest of the family just labeled me kooky like Aunt Barb.

She’d been okay with that and I supposed I would have to learn to deal with it too. They just didn’t understand. Witchcraft didn’t involve riding a broom or turning someone into a toad. Believe me, I’d been tempted to make Derek eat flies on many occasions. It didn’t work that way though. My nose wiggling meant nothing more than an itch or a sneeze. Sadly, it didn’t allow me to instantly clean my house or turn someone into a toad. My business would be great if I could just wave a wand and solve the cases. I’d do a whole lot more too.

However, it allowed me to have positive energy. That meant more positive things could come my way. Bringing love and light into the job was a good thing. I had a journal with spells that I had written—I cast a spell for every new case. I enjoyed creating my own. My aunt had taught me to do that. Not all of the other witches agreed with that. They thought tried and true spells should be the only ones used. I’d done a good job of showing them that my spells actually worked though. The proof was in the spells.   

I hadn’t known when I’d come to Vegas that my aunt was part of a coven. Actually, not just part of the coven, but the head. Even with all her wacky ways, they still wanted her as the head witch. I couldn’t help but wonder if she’d brought me out here in hopes that when she was gone I would take over. There were other witches who had been part of the coven for years that deserved that title. Aunt Barb hadn’t seemed to care though. She’d just liked that I’d followed in her magical footsteps. 

Still I wasn’t sure that I would ever be able to handle that type of responsibility. We had weekly meetings and then there was the pot-luck luncheon every month. That was a lot of work. Plus with my PI agency, how would I ever have the time?

I was ahead of myself though. There was no need to worry. They’d never asked me to be the head. Aunt Barb’s spirit was probably looking down on the coven with disappointment.

Derek and I slipped into his black SUV and headed toward the Mirage Casino where Morgan had apparently last been seen. Before I could fasten my seatbelt, Derek sped out onto the street.

I managed to buckle up and then asked, “You want to tell me what happened at this party last night?”

Derek kept his eyes on the road. “My neighbor invited me. You know, the guy who works over at the Mirage Casino?”

I shrugged. “You’ve introduced me to a lot of people since you got here. Incidentally, I have no idea how you’ve met so many strangers.”

“You need to get out more.” A hint of laughter filled his voice.

“So you’ve told me before.” I waved my hand. “I’m fine with staying home and reading a good book.”

I had spells to work on… not to mention my secret side job.

“Or attending bingo night at the retirement village.” The side of Derek’s mouth turned up into a self-satisfied grin.

So what if I was a thirty-two-year-old living around senior citizens? Admittedly most of them were a lot more socially active than me, but I digressed.

Changing the subject, I said, “You know this guy who works at the casino? That could come in handy today, I guess.”

“That’s the plan,” Derek said as he changed lanes.

On the right a giant sign came into view. Red hearts and gold letters decorated the space with the words
Twenty-Four-Hour Drive-Up Wedding Window
in bold letters.

Derek gestured with a nod. “What do you say, are you feeling lucky? Should we drive up to the window?”

I shifted on the leather seat. “As tempting as it is to become Mrs. North, no, thank you.”

“That’s too bad. I’d make a great husband.” Derek wheeled into the casino’s entrance.

He pulled the car up to the valet parking area and hopped out. The attendant opened the door for me while Derek waited beside the car as I climbed out.

After handing the keys to the attendant, Derek turned to me and said, “I’ll ask for Russell Waters. If he’s working today then I’m sure he can help us.”

“Do you suppose they have footage of Morgan in the casino?” I asked. Had she simply left the casino and gone to another location? Had she been with anyone when she left?

Derek pointed. “There are people watching everything that happens here. I can’t imagine that they wouldn’t have caught her.”

I peeked up and around to see if any cameras were visible. Of course they were hidden. Eyes were watching us at all times.

“What does Russell do here at the casino?” I asked.

“He’s a pit boss.”

“Sounds like he’s a tough guy.”

Derek and I stepped into the casino. I wasn’t sure where we should even start. The day had just begun, but the casino was full of people. I was sure there was a steady flow at all hours.

Derek scanned the twinkling lights and nonstop action. “We could play some slots while we’re here.”

I quirked an eyebrow. “Not a good idea.”

He laughed. “I’m joking.”

Nothing Derek ever said could truly be taken as a joke.

“There’s an information desk. Let’s start there.” I weaved my way around a group of senior citizens and over to the large counter.

A middle-aged woman with chin-length salt-and-pepper hair, wearing the casino’s red and black uniform, was behind the counter. She busily typed away on her keyboard.

“Excuse me,” I said as I approached.

The woman ignored me and continued moving her fingertips across the keys at a record speed.

Derek moved over into her line of vision, leaning down in front of her face. “Ma’am, may I ask you a question?” His voice could have charmed the dew right off the honeysuckle. You could take the man out of Savannah, but not the Savannah out of the man.

She met his gaze and a slow smile slid across her face. Her big blue eyes widened even more. It worked for Derek every time.

“Yes,” she said in a sweet tone.

“I’m looking for my friend. He works here. Could you point me in the right direction?” Derek continued the charmer act.

“What’s your friend’s name?” Her voice was as sweet as honey.

“Russell Waters,” Derek answered.

“Sure, I know Russell. I’ll find out if he’s here.” She picked up the phone.

The chiming music of the slot machines captured my attention. It was like a siren call and momentarily hypnotized me. While Derek waited for the woman to track down Russell, I eased closer to the line of machines on our left. So far Derek hadn’t noticed that I was leaving him for the glitzy lights and temptation of easy money.

I’d just play a couple times. Gambling had never been attractive to me. Sure, living in Vegas meant that I’d been to the casinos on a handful of occasions, but I preferred to keep my money. It came in handy when the bills rolled in every month.

A few of the slot machines looked retro, with pictures of fruit, enticing me with their bright colors. Once in front of the machine, I peeked over to see what Derek was doing. He was talking with another man wearing the casino’s uniform. I should probably be over there listening to what was being said, but since Derek wasn’t watching me, I slipped a coin into the slot and pulled the lever. The cherries, oranges, and apples spun around and around. I held my breath waiting for them to stop.

“Come on, cherries,” I whispered under my breath.

One line stopped on the cherries and then the next. My eyes widened when the last one landed on the cherries. The machine jumped into action with flashing lights and an ear-piercing ding. Coins flew into the metal tray. Maybe my money spell that I’d cast the other day was finally working. The old spell had called for one green candle and one white. I’d decided to double that and hoped that it would work better.   

“Getting lucky, I see. It’s about time,” Derek said from over my shoulder.

I almost fell off the stool. “Don’t sneak up on me like that.” I smoothed down my hair and straightened my shirt, trying to regain some professionalism. 

“How much did you win?” He leaned closer. The smell of his cologne made my stomach dance.

I scooped the coins out of the bottom of the machine and shoved them into my big black purse. “Ten dollars, I think.”

“So you’re buying me lunch?”

“On ten dollars? If you promise to be nice and not get into any trouble for the rest of the day.” I looped my bag over my shoulder. The coins jingled in the bottom. “What did you find out?”

Derek turned his attention away from me. “There’s Russell now.” He motioned for me to follow him across the casino floor.

Derek and I weaved through the people and machines to the burly brown-haired guy. He shook Derek’s hand and then stretched his hand toward me.

“Nice to meet you,” I said, trying to break free from his grip.

“What’s up?” Russell asked Derek.

I pulled out the photo of Morgan. “We’re looking for this woman. She was last seen here at this casino.”

Maybe I was a little over-anxious.

“We wondered if you could look into any security footage. Maybe confirm that she was here,” Derek said.

Russell waved his hand. “I don’t need to do that.”

“You don’t?” I asked with a quirked brow.

“No, I don’t. We kicked her out of here last night.”

My mouth probably dropped open.

“Why?” Derek asked.

“Counting cards,” Russell said matter-of-factly.

Wow, she’d been cheating. I hadn’t expected this turn of events. Now I wondered what else Morgan had truly done.

Derek motioned for the photo and then displayed it in front of Russell’s face. “This woman? You’re sure?”

Russell’s expression didn’t budge. “Positive.”

“Was she with anyone?” I took the photo from Derek and crammed it back into my purse.

“Not that I’m aware of,” Russell said. 

Derek shook Russell’s hand again. “Thanks for the info, man.”

Russell nodded. “No problem. I’ll see you later.”

“Thanks again,” I said to Russell as he walked away.

Derek and I headed for the exit. The woman who had helped Derek flashed a tiny smile and waved as we walked by.

Derek entwined his arm through mine and guided me toward the exit. “Why is that big dude over there glaring at you?”

“Me?” I asked, craning my neck to see who he was walking about.

The tall dark-haired man in the corner of the room had focused on me. We’d reached the doors when he stopped us.

“I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to leave,” he said in a rough voice.

“He was just leaving, sir,” I said, pointing to Derek.

What had Derek done this time?

The man grabbed me by the arm. “No, not him, you.”