CHAPTER NINE

Skye, Brynn, and I hatched a magickal plan of action. Each of us would work our own elemental magick—with the same intention—and complete it before sunrise. True, having all four elements working together in harmony would have been ideal, but Kenna was out of the mix temporarily, and three would have to do.

Besides, I had another idea of how to up the power of the working...and to tip the odds even more in our favor. I brought Tim up to speed on the drive back to Ames Crossing, and by the time we returned to the carriage house, it had been well after midnight.

Tim and I both went straight to bed and held each other close. After everything that had happened, we were both exhausted.

Tim was asleep within moments, but I lay awake. I took advantage of that time and mentally fine-tuned how to best cast the spell for justice. I would work it tonight. Or this morning , I realized, noting the time.

Finally, once Tim was sleeping soundly, I slipped from the bed. Tossing on a pair of sweatpants and a jacket over my night shirt, I let myself outside. Taking a moment to cast a spell so I would go undetected, I pulled up my power from the gut and concentrated on blurring my aura.

I rarely used reluctance spells, but tonight I did in order to make myself less noticeable to the cameras and the security officers that did their rounds through the mansion's gardens. Satisfied with the magickal camouflage, I made my way barefoot through the formal gardens, heading for the private spot with the little fountain.

Now I stood in the dark, my feet on the earth, and pulled up power from the natural elements that surrounded me. My only illumination from nearby solar pathway lights, they gave me enough ambient light to allow me to see.

"Element of water," I began, "hear my call..."

Within the fountain, the water leapt high. I required the element of water to add extra strength to the spell that I was about to cast. It responded to my call. Defying gravity, it morphed into shimmering droplets, sparkling and floating in mid-air.

Adapting a ritual that my grandmother had taught my sisters and me, I cast the spell for justice. To personalize it, I called upon an ancient goddess of the water and requested her help.

Carefully I worded my entreaty: to reveal the stalker's identity, and to make sure that justice would be served immediately. Deliberately I left it to the goddess to decide how that would be meted out…because truth be told, the old gods were going to be much more creative than I could ever be.

"By the powers of earth, air, fire and water," I chanted as I closed up the spell. "Please hear the call of your daughter. My adversary will be revealed and fall by their own hand; swiftly brought to face the good justice of the land."

I tossed my hands up and the water from the fountain shot out all around me, dispersing and traveling out where my magick would begin to unfold.

I felt an inner click , as the enchantment rolled out into the world to do its work. After whispering my thanks to the old gods and the elements, I made my way back to the carriage house. Silently, I let myself back inside. Wiped out from the events of the previous day and the magick I'd cast, I was now freezing cold. With chattering teeth, I tugged my jacket off and slipped back into bed with Tim.

I snuggled up against him to get warm and was asleep within moments.

***

Later in the morning, I met Brynn in the ballroom at the mansion. She was hauling in her first boxes filled with the florals and pumpkin centerpieces for the Halloween Masquerade Ball. The ballroom was busy, with the staff putting the finishing touches on the buffet tables and setting out dishes for the guests. The bar staff was stocking the Trois Amis wines, and across the ballroom, the DJ was setting up.

"Good morning," I said, helping Brynn ease a box down to a long worktable.

"Did you have a good night?" she asked conversationally.

"I did," I said in the same tone. "And you?"

Brynn tucked a piece of her long brown hair behind her ear. "My personal work finished up around three in the morning."

"As did mine." I nodded. "And our third collaborator?"

"It was reported to me that she coordinated as well."

"Oh, good you're here!" The voice belonged to Nicole Dubois, the PR person for the Trois Amis winery and the hotel.

"Good morning, Nicole." Brynn smiled at the sleek brunette.

"My god," Nicole breathed, taking in the flowers. "Every year they only get more beautiful."

"Thank you." Brynn smiled at the compliment.

"Did you see that we made your name bigger on all of the advertising?" Nicole asked. "We wanted to make sure everyone knew that Brynn Golden designed the flowers."

"I sure did." Brynn smiled, easily. "That's very exciting."

"You and your sisters have been here every year since we started the ball," Nicole said to Brynn. "I bet half of the tickets we sold are from folks in Alton. The Goldens are so well known. I mean, between Skye's podcast, Kenna's baking, your flowers, and Cordelia's swimming career..."

While Nicole chatted on about the public relations aspect and public interest, I nodded.

Yes, I thought, it was definitely well-known that my family attended the event every year. I was counting on that to lure the stalker out. They probably wouldn't be able to resist. A masquerade would be an awesome opportunity for them to slip in, get close and remain unknown.

Nicole glanced at her clipboard. "I have a few men from security to help you haul the boxes inside—Charlie and Gus." She pointed to the two men standing by the ballroom doors. "They're happy to help with whatever you might need."

Nicole was hailed from across the room. With a smile, she dashed off to go answer a question from one of the wait staff.

My sister and I started out together. Charlie and Gus followed along to Brynn's van that was parked right outside the main doors, waiting to be unloaded.

Brynn hooked her arm companionably through mine as we headed outdoors. "Your dress for the ball is in the van. It's in a garment bag. I made sure to bring your shoes and other accessories as well."

"Thanks," I said easily. "I'll grab it after I finish helping you unload."

"Perfect." Brynn smiled, and we quickly loaded the men up.

"Thanks, guys," I said as they hauled the boxes into the ballroom.

"Mom and Dad arrived in St. Louis an hour ago," Brynn said once we were alone again. "Skye picked them up, and she's taking them straight to the hospital. Mom and Dad will stay with Kenna until she's released. They'll take her back to the house and keep an eye on her."

"I called Kenna's room earlier this morning," I said. "Grandma Althea was up there. She told me Kenna had a peaceful night and was looking better."

Brynn nodded. "Skye will be here around six o'clock tonight for the Ball."

"Okay," I said, and we reached for another wooden box. This one was heavy and loaded down with fall flowers arranged inside of carved jack o' lanterns. We each took an end and began to carry it in. "These arrangements are fabulous, Brynn."

"Nicole wanted more pumpkins this year," she said as we maneuvered the box across the sidewalk.

Usually, I gave my sister a hand for weddings or big events. But since I'd been in Ames Crossing for the past week or so, I hadn't seen these. Spanish moss peeked through the carved eyes, noses and mouths of the pumpkins. Spilling out of the top of the pumpkins were a combination of mums in a rainbow of autumn tones, rosy Autumn Joy sedum, burgundy celosia, goldenrod, and dried heads of coneflowers. An assortment of autumn leaves and black painted twigs made it look wild and creepy.

"Austin will be meeting me here at noon," Brynn said casually, as we made our way through the lobby.

"Yes," I said, walking backwards. "I hear that he and Tim will be having their own meetings this afternoon."

Brynn nodded. "Did you have your meeting with Gabriella and company this morning?"

"I did," I said as we walked toward the ballroom. "It went well."

To anyone moving past or who might overhear our conversation, we sounded normal, and like any other mundanes chatting as we prepped for the ball. But in truth, it was a cover for the fact that I had met with Gabriella, Drusilla, Camilla and Estella hours before. Amanda, Arianna and Angela had all been present as well. We had gathered around the table in Gabriella's family kitchen on the eastern side of the mansion.

There I had brought them up to speed on Kenna's status, what we knew about the stalker, and I also informed them that I planned to bring them out in the open. I had half been braced for a lecture about ethics, or perhaps some disapproval. Yet when I informed them that I had already cast a few hours before—to bring the stalker to justice—they all seemed to be in agreement.

Angela was especially on board as it was her husband, Ryder, who'd been injured; and now her best friend who was laying in the hospital.

In fact, after we talked, it was Amanda who had suggested that the eight of us raise energy together, to focus on our goal. It made me smile to stand hand-in-hand and to work magick with them all again. We weren't battling an angry ghost this time, but instead a corporeal adversary.

Bottom line? The Daughters of Midnight and the Witches on the Hill were combining their efforts once more.

***

Night had fallen, and the third annual Marquette Mansion Halloween Masquerade Ball was going to begin in less than an hour. Standing in my bathroom in the carriage house, I straightened the shell crown over my moussed hair.

My pale blonde hair was wild and tousled but stiff with product. I'd clipped in a few long, blonde and blue-green false braids and dreads; it added to the overall volume and made my hair look much thicker than it was.

To complete the Sea Siren look, I had ordered the custom headpiece online. Black iridescent scallop shells and long spiral screw shells fanned out across it, creating a tall, gothic, spiky crown. Tiny silver sequins and faux pearls were scattered across it and added to the sparkle.

For my makeup, I had gone with a very pale foundation. I stretched a piece of fishnet stocking over my entire face, and then patted a shimmering turquoise eye shadow underneath my cheekbones, on my temples, and around the perimeter of my hairline with a foundation brush. After lifting the fishnet off, I was pleased to see that it had created the illusion of scales.

"Let's hear it for internet makeup tutorials," I said to my reflection. To add to the look, I brushed a bit more of the iridescent turquoise color under my jawline and across my collarbones. I finished my makeup off with teal and black eye shadow, heavy black liner and mascara, and a deep mauve lip.

Stepping back, I considered the makeup and dipped back into the eye shadow palate to add white sparkly highlight on the end of my nose, brow bones, and at the top of my cupid's bow. Satisfied that the makeup made the aqua blue of my eyes pop, I put away my cosmetics, tightened the belt on my robe, and headed for the bedroom to get dressed.

Tim was currently waiting in the living room, and I could hear that he was having a conversation with Charlie from the hotel's security. Our strategy had expanded and included not only Tim, Austin and Charlie, but now Zak Parker—a fellow deputy from Tim's department—and Sheriff Randall from the Ames Crossing Sheriff's Department. It was the shared opinion of the Alton police, and the sheriff's department in Ames Crossing, that my stalker had more than likely been watching the hospital the night before, noting the comings and goings of the family and was aware of where I would be this evening.

Slipping my cocktail dress from the garment bag, I stepped into it, pulling it up and tugging the spaghetti straps over my shoulders.

My dress was a satiny teal with a black floral lace overlay and a waist cinched with a wide built-in corset in black. The hem was a high-low style that stopped right above my knees in the front and fell to my calves at the back. I managed to get it mostly zipped, and then stepped into a pair of tall black suede boots with a practical low heel. Needing a hand to close the dress, I made my way into the living room.

Tim stood at the window that overlooked the grounds, his back to me as he finished up his call. He wore a white dress shirt and a black suit that fit him perfectly and accented his broad shoulders and narrow waist. "Roger that," he said into the phone. "We'll be heading over in a few minutes. See you then." He ended his call and slipped his cell into his pocket.

"Can you zip my dress the rest of the way up?" I asked him.

Tim turned around and his jaw dropped. "I changed my mind. We're not going to the masquerade."

" What ?" I asked, taken off guard.

He stalked forward. "Let's go to the bedroom." He began to herd me back and down the hall, his hands reaching for my hair.

I laughed and batted his hands away. "Don't you dare muss me up! I'll never get my hair or this makeup right again."

"I won't muss you up," he said. "I'll be gentle."

I shivered happily, hearing how his voice had gone deeper. "Listen Deputy, after we get through tonight you can toss me over your shoulder, drag me off somewhere, and ravish me good and proper."

"I'm going to hold you to that," he said, and the gleam in his eyes told me he was absolutely serious.

"For now," I said, turning around, "zip me the rest of the way up."

He dropped a kiss to my bare shoulder while he did. "Remember what we talked about in regards to the security plan for tonight?"

"I do," I said and turned around to look him in the eye. "I'm not going to take any unnecessary chances. I want this to be over. I want my life back and a future with you."

He smiled down at me. "I do too."

Reaching up I straightened his teal tie. "Well then let's get this party started."

***

The ball was in full swing. Tim and I stood at the bar sipping on bubbly spiced cider mocktails. We chatted easily with Estella, Chauncey, Arianna and Rafe.

Estella was wearing a sexy black halter top dress. It was accented with a lace up corset at the waist, and gray bats were scattered across the sheer overlay of the dress. Chauncey wore a pale gray suit with a black shirt and a black and gray striped tie.

Arianna wore a pretty black maternity dress. To accent it she had tied a bright orange ribbon under her breasts. Rafe had also coordinated with his wife and wore a black suit with a burnt orange dress shirt, open at the collar.

"I love this sparkling cider," I told Estella.

"We decided to offer some mocktails this year," she said.

Arianna sipped at hers. "I'm glad you did. Otherwise, I'd have been stuck with ginger-ale all night long."

Gabriella, Drusilla and their husbands walked by and gave us a wave as they headed over to the DJ's stage to announce the winners of the raffle for the winery gift baskets.

While the winners' names were called, Tim and I worked our way back to our family's table and sat.

Brynn and Austin were all cozied up and making goo-goo eyes at each other.

Skye glanced up at me and lifted her phone. "Mom and Dad asked me to send some photos of us all dressed up. Say, Happy Halloween!"

Tim put his arm around my shoulder, and we smiled for Skye's cell phone camera.

When my sister aimed it at Brynn and Austin, she had to clear her throat to get their attention.

"Jeez guys," she said. "Get a room."

Austin smiled. "We already have a suite, right upstairs."

Brynn chuckled at that, but she and Austin were good sports, and both smiled for the camera. A moment later, they got up to dance.

I smiled to see my oldest sister so happy. They swayed out there together on the dance floor. Brynn, in her purple sparkly party dress with sheer black sleeves, and Austin in his dark suit. "I never pictured Austin as the kind of guy to wear a purple tie with bats on it," I told Skye.

Skye rolled her eyes. "He'd do anything for Brynn. I have money on the table that he'll put a ring on her finger by New Year."

"Probably," I agreed.

Tim nipped the phone from Skye's hands. "You and Cordelia get up and go stand together. I'll take your photo so you can send it to your folks."

Skye hopped up, I stood, and we stepped back a few paces for Tim.

"Back a little farther," he said, standing up to better aim the camera at us. "Back up more."

"You can broaden the view on the screen," Skye reminded him.

"Step back again," Tim said.

We did and bumped solidly into someone.

"Sorry!" we said in unison, and when I turned to see who we'd collided with, I discovered that it was Charlie, the buff security guard.

"Hello, Cordelia," he said pleasantly.

"Hi there," I said. It was clear that Charlie was working the event. While he did have a suit on, he also wore his name tag.

"I don't think we've met," he said pointedly to Skye.

Skye stuck out her hand. "Skye Golden."

"Charlie Smythe," he said. Taking her hand in his, he held it. "That's a hell of a dress, Ms. Golden."

Skye grinned. "I thought it was appropriate in more ways than one."

Charlie didn't smile. Instead, he looked her over slowly. My sister's dress had a black velvet tank style top that was cinched in at the waist with a silver ribbon. The skirt of the dress was long, slightly poufy, and featured horror-style white ghostly faces that had been screen printed over the crinkly black fabric.

"Appropriate as in phantoms for Halloween?" Charlie asked.

"I do a paranormal pod cast," Skye explained.

"Oh. Haunted houses and so forth?" he asked.

"Yes," Skye said easily.

"That tracks," Charlie said, not taking his eyes from my sister's face.

Skye lifted her brows. "Does the paranormal make you uncomfortable Mr. Smythe?"

"Not at all," he said easily.

There was some tension in the air between the two of them, I noticed. Also, Charlie had yet to release my sister's hand.

"Dance with me," he said to Skye.

Skye tipped her head to one side. "Aren't you on duty?"

"I'm on break," he said.

"In that case…" Skye slipped her free hand into the crook of his opposite arm. Before I could blink, the two of them were headed toward the dance floor.

"Well," I said to Tim as I went back to the table. "That was a slick move."

Tim held my chair out for me. "I think your sister may have finally met someone she can't bulldoze."

"He's ex-military," I asked Tim as I sat, "isn't he?"

"Charlie was a SEAL." Tim nodded. "How'd you know?"

"It's his energy," I said. "The way he carries himself." My eyes were drawn to Charlie and Skye as they danced. There was a socially acceptable distance between the two of them as they slow-danced, but the longer I watched the more energy and tension I saw swirling around them. It was quite different than the loved-up vibes coming from Brynn and Austin.

Tim pressed a gentle kiss to my hair. "I'm relieved that it's been quiet so far tonight."

I leaned into him a bit more. "Makes me wonder if I overestimated the stalker," I whispered. "I thought for sure she would be watching—"

I stopped speaking when another couple walked over. The woman was a dispatcher and worked at the sheriff's department with Tim. I smiled politely as introductions were made, but when the couple sat at our table and proceeded to chat, I excused myself.

"Be right back," I said to Tim.

He started to stand. "I'll go with you."

I placed my hand on his shoulder. "I'm going to the ladies' room." I saw Gabriella walking close by and I hailed her. "I won't go alone."

"Hey Cordelia!" Gabriella walked over and gave me a hug. "Love the sexy Sea Siren outfit! Are you enjoying the ball?"

"I am," I said easily. "I was going to go and powder my nose."

"I'll go with you," she said smoothly. "I want to freshen up my lipstick."

Tim nodded, and I tossed him a wink.

Stay on guard . He mouthed the words, and I nodded in reply.

I patted the pocket in my skirt. "I have my phone on me," I reminded him.

Arm in arm, Gabriella and I worked our way across the crowded ballroom.

"Is everything okay?" she asked, under her breath.

"So far so good," I replied softly. Then in a completely different tone I said, "Did you and Estella plan to both wear dresses that featured bats?"

Gabriella ran her hand over her tea-length dress. "No, but we both got a good chuckle out of it."

"It looks great on you."

"It's comfortable at least," she said while purple and black bat earrings swayed from her ears. "Hosting an event like this requires flats and a dress that I can move in."

Gabriella's dress featured a black mesh scattered with bats over an amethyst skirt. The bodice was solid black and made from a stretch material, with a square neckline and long sleeves that were very flattering on her.

"I think you ticked all the boxes," I told her. "Right down to the earrings."

"Family heirloom," Gabriella quipped, making me laugh.

We made our way to the ladies' room and found ourselves in a short line. While waiting we chatted casually about the costumes and outfits the other attendees were wearing. An elegant zombie exited a stall, and I took my turn.

I went to the sink to wash my hands afterward and spotted Gabriella reapplying her lipstick. Moving over to the mirror, I checked my face. The siren makeup was still holding. We'd only started to work our way back through the masquerade crowd when Gabriella's phone began to buzz.

We paused in the lobby as she answered it. The lobby was creepy and dark tonight, which added to the atmosphere. Scattered around on tables, LED candles flickered and jack o' lanterns glowed. The music was loud, even in the lobby, yet the mood was festive, and everyone seemed happy.

I was so busy looking carefully at all of the guests, trying to see beyond their costumes for the stalker, that it took a moment for me to clue in to the fact that something had upset Gabriella.

"What do you mean you can't find Danielle?" Gabriella's voice went way up.

Before I could ask what happened, I spotted Philippe. He was moving quickly across the lobby and making his way straight to us. Once he arrived, he rested his hand on Gabriella's arm.

"Yes," Gabriella said, looking up at her husband. "We're coming up right now."

"What happened?" I asked them.

"The babysitter is staying with all the kids in the family wing tonight. The kids were playing, and now they can't find Danielle."

"Go," I said to the couple. "She's probably hiding under a bed or something."

With a nod the couple took off at a near-run toward the locked entrance to the eastern wing.

I had taken two steps toward the ballroom when my stomach tightened painfully in a warning. Something is horribly wrong, I realized.

A blast of fear and panic was coming from behind me, and I spun around, searching for the source. Far across the hotel lobby, tall potted palms were arranged in a shadowy corner, and they were shaking violently.

There were two people there. One tall, dressed all in black and wearing a full mask. The other was small. It was a child wearing jeans and a Halloween sweatshirt. The child was putting up a hell of a fight, despite the fact that a hand was clamped over their mouth, and they were being lifted off their feet.

It was Danielle Marquette.

Before I could blink, she was gone. Someone had dragged her down the dark hall that led to the hotel's pool.