What the Hex? (A Paranormal P.I. Mystery Book 1) Read online

  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 casi
nos 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.”

  Chapter 4

  Derek and I stumbled out of the casino. I brushed off my skirt and straightened my shirt. Had it really been necessary to manhandle me like that? The brute had probably left a bruise. He had steadfastly refused to offer an explanation as to why I’d been tossed out on my rear. When I looked back, the big muscular dude was still glaring at me as if daring me to come back. His width consumed every inch of the doorframe. A deep, resounding laughter came from Derek’s sexy—and annoying—mouth.

  “I sense by the sharp turn of your lips and furrowed brow that you don’t find this amusing,” he said.

  I pointed at him. “Bingo. I don’t think you should laugh either.”

  “It’s kind of funny… Cece Cash isn’t innocent after all. What did you do? Come on, you can tell me.” He wiggled his fingers, urging me to confess my crime. “Did you win too much at the slot back there? Oh, I know, you counted cards? Did you…”

  “Stop right there! I know what your next question will be and if you don’t want to get slugged, you won’t go there. I did nothing wrong,” I said through gritted teeth.

  He held his hands up in surrender. Based on the twitch of Derek’s mouth, he was still fighting back laughter.

  The young man who’d parked Derek’s car approached us with caution. Either he thought our laughter displayed our lunacy, or the casino security had tipped him off. By the way he shoved the keys toward Derek, I figured he just wanted us out of there as quickly as possible.

  Derek took the keys from the valet. “You did something wrong. They just don’t throw people out for no reason.”

  “This is embarrassing. People are staring at me,” I whispered.

  Derek looked around. “Yes, they are.”

  “You could have pretended they weren’t watching me and made me feel better.”

  “I’ll never lie to you, Cece Cash.” He winked.

  Yeah, right.

  Hurrying ahead of Derek, I opened the car door and jumped in. I slid down on the leather seat, trying to hide my face with my hand. Derek climbed behind the wheel.

  “You realize that no one is watching you now, right?” Derek said as he started the car.

  I peeked out the window and then slowly moved up the seat. “Maybe I should have demanded that he tell me why I was being kicked out.”

  Derek pulled out onto the street. “It’s probably best that you didn’t. You’ve always been headstrong, but this is one time you should probably not push it. I can ask my friend if that will make you feel better.”

  I released a deep breath and pushed the hair out of my eyes. “I’d like that, thank you, Derek.”

  The worst part of all this was that Derek had been with me. He would never let me forget it. The story would be shared at every family function all over Savannah. Uncle Hermit, Aunt Frida, and my mother Marianne would talk about this for all of eternity. They already didn’t understand why I’d moved to the desert, as they called it. Every conversation with my mother started and ended with her ordering me to come home. I’d probably go home someday, although I couldn’t tell my mother. She’d have her big brown pocketbook on her arm and be on the first bus out of Savannah to rescue me before I finished the sentence.

  “At least you have a story to tell now,” Derek said. “You haven’t lived until you’ve been kicked out of an establishment.”

  Obviously Derek knew what I’d been thinking. His family was like mine. The difference was they thought his shenanigans were funny. My family thought any mishap I had was proof that I couldn’t handle myself in the world.

  “I’m sure you’ve had plenty of practice,” I said.

  Derek stopped at the red light. “You need something to ease your anxiety.”

  “It’s a little early for happy hour, don’t you think? And I don’t want one of your special ‘massages.’”

 
; The light turned green and he took off. “I meant chocolate ice cream. Maybe a hot fudge sundae. Remember the ones we got at Farmers’ General Store outside of town by your grandmother’s house? They were so big we could barely see over the top.”

  I chuckled. “You tripped that time and fell face first into your dish. You had whipped topping dripping from your nose.”

  “I still say someone pushed me,” he said.

  “Whatever you say. Anyway, more about last night. You were at this party? How well do you really know Morgan and Paige?” I asked.

  “We aren’t BFFs, if that’s what you’re asking. Last night was the first time I’d ever had more than a five-minute conversation with either of them.” He navigated a right turn.

  “And the next day one of the women is accused of murder? What kind of parties are you going to, Derek?”

  “It was a small get-together of around one hundred people.” Amusement filled his words.

  I shook my head. “That’s what you call a small get-together?”

  “You need to get out more,” Derek said.

  I hadn’t attended any parties since I’d arrived in Vegas. Where did Derek even meet these people? Wait. I had gone to Oscar McGee’s eighty-fifth birthday party. He lived down the street from me. Oscar had tried to set me up on a date with his great-grandson Peter. The guy had stared at my chest the whole time he spoke to me. Plus, his mother had cut up his food for him at the party. The entire scene was right out of the movie Psycho. Needless to say, I politely declined the offer of a ‘hot night out on the town.’ Now every time Oscar saw me, he gave me a dejected look.

  “How did Paige know to ask for your help?” I asked.

  “I’m always promoting our business.” Derek’s smooth Southern drawl rolled off his tongue.

  I sighed. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

  “You didn’t give me those business cards for nothing,” he said.

  “I knew I’d end up regretting that move.”

  “What’s next?” Derek asked, ignoring my comment.

  I tapped my fingers against the leather seat. “We need to know more about Morgan, obviously.”

  “Obviously,” he repeated.