Lib Novel Page 41
“I need to start making these in vats. They’re the town favorite today.” Harlow gave me another of those beaming smiles, then she turned toward the machines and started the bean grinder.
“In a way, they’re also for protection,” I said loud enough to be heard over the noise.
Lou snickered from where she’d perched herself on the counter. “You’re really nerding out right now?”
“Really?” Harlow’s head popped up.“How?”
“Well, cinnamon, clove, and ginger are used to ward off evil. At the beginning of the month, it’s customary to blow cinnamon across the threshold of your home for good luck and protection.”
Harlow poured the warmed soy milk into my cup and dashed some extra spice mix over the foam before placing the lid on top.
“I like that. Cinnamon is one of my favorite flavors.” Harlow nodded and held out the mocha for me. “Maybe I should shake some on my shoulders before we go out tonight?”
“Cinnamon is useless at repelling demons. But Iris and I will protect you.”
The corner of her lips pulled into a smile. “I know I’m safe with you.”
Goo. My insides puddled into mush at the sultry look in her eye.
“That was smooth,” Lou chimed in, breaking the daydream of holding Harlow close.
“I better get going,” I told Harlow. “See you tonight?”
“Can’t wait.”
My stomach flipped as I walked back out to the sidewalk, and the sun shined a little brighter on my way back to the apothecary. But Lou started in on a rant once I closed the door.
“Did you see the paint on Billy’s shoes? It’s the paint I saw the day I died, the exact shade of red.” She paced the length of the store, not bothering to avoid the tables or merchandise.
“Billy isn’t the only person who goes to help at the orchard this time of year. And why would Billy kill you?” I answered just in time for Iris to walk out of the storeroom.
“Who did Billy kill?” she asked, searching the room for the ranting ghost.
“Lou saw paint on his boots and now thinks our mayor is a murderous monster.” I sighed, planting my butt on the chair next to the register.
“That’s terribly offensive to say about his kind,” Iris deadpanned. “They’re actually the least bloodthirsty of our lot. Did you bring me back anything?”
“Crap. I’m sorry. I forgot.”
Iris rolled her eyes and snatched the cup from my hands. “That’s okay. I’ll just take this one since you hatepumpkin spice.”
I liked it when Harlow made it, but I wasn’t going to win that argument. Nothing was more coveted to Iris than coffee at this hour.
Lou waved her arms about. “Hello! I just found my murderer here!”
“If Billy is on your list of suspects, then we’ll check him out after we go see Ramona. She’ll know if the elected official was part of your demise.”
“Yeah, right,” Lou snapped. “The only thing the demon is going to do is offer to snatch your witchling soul in exchange for vague information.”
She didn’t wait for my comeback.Instead, she slipped through the wall to the storeroom to pout for the rest of the day.
20
JORDYN
Iris and I waited on the steps of the gazebo for Harlow to close up the café for the night. I was second-guessing the choice to bring her to talk with Ramona, but Harlow had insisted, and with two witches flanking her, the demon should behave herself.
Iris’s shoulder shook against mine as we huddled next to each other. The bracing wind was extra cutting, the air filled with pinpricks of icy mist. It was the perfect weather for a town like ours.