27. Hattie

HATTIE

T he lights flicker back on and the moody organ music turns up a notch in volume as an entire parade of headless creatures waltz into the ballroom, each holding a glowing jack-o’-lantern in their arms, and each of those glowing orange globes looks more sinister than the last.

“Look at this place,” Clarabelle says, swooping in with her velvet cape billowing behind her. “It’s like a haunted mansion on steroids—or more like a haunted mansion on billionaires. Not to mention everybody is here.” She fluffs her crimson locks as she gives all of the billionaire boys in the room a sultry wink and a kiss.

It’s true.

Everybody is here. I see my mother and father, Henry getting far too frisky with Tipper by the all-you-can-eat shrimp bar, Chevy, Hillary, and Kick congregate nearby while giving the other members the side-eye as they not so silently judge everyone for their spooky accouterments of choice.

Speaking of accouterments of choice, Hillary is dressed in a two-piece bikini, complete with a giant stuffed snake draped over her shoulders. She’s edgy, just the way she promised she’d be. I’m just thankful she didn’t opt for a real anaconda to accompany her.

Peggy, in her fluffy pink unicorn onesie, gives an enthusiastic nod. “The buffet smells amazing! I’m half-starved. I haven’t eaten a thing since Peggy and I split that box of Moon’s chocolates this afternoon.” It was six boxes, but who’s counting? She looks my way and her fingers fly to her lips.

Eh , it’s nice to know I didn’t eat fifty pounds of chocolates all by my lonesome. Not that I couldn’t do it if push came to chocolate fudge.

I’ve got a feeling that somewhere out there, there’s a Guinness World Record that I’m missing out on.

“Speaking of food, let’s hit it,” I suggest, leading the way to where Rookie and Cricket are feasting on the floor offerings like a couple of rabid raccoons. And oddly enough, even Jolly looks as if he’s joining in on the endeavor.

We head over, and before I can pick out a sweet treat from the dessert table, Banister Grimm strides my way dressed like Robin Hood himself, complete with leotard, green tights, and all.

I’ve got to give it to him. It takes a confident man to pull off a look like that. I inadvertently sweep my eyes down his body and gasp.

Okay, so apparently, he’s got plenty of reasons to be confident.

“Hattie,” he laughs as he takes me in. “You look divine, but I’m sure you’ve heard that all night.”

“Nope, just from you.” I laugh as well. “Where’s your other half?” I frown past him in search of the real devil among us.

“She said she had some business with Killion. So I suppose she’s with your other half. And let me guess, he’s dressed as the devil himself?”

I make a face at the thought of Venetta and Killion having cutesy matching couple’s costumes.

“He’s not here yet,” I say. So clearly Venetta is wasting her time. “He was poring over those cold cases and the newer cases, which just so happen to be getting cold themselves. Time got away from him, but he texted about ten minutes ago and said he was leaving soon. As for the costume, my guess is he’ll show up as a brooding homicide detective.”

We both share a chuckle on Killion’s behalf.

If Hattie was single, I might have set my sights on her.

I frown at his internal musing. It seems the fake relationship he and Venetta have runs both ways.

“Well, if you want to shake your wings out on the dance floor and really give him a target to fire his weapon at, I’m your man.”

We share another good-natured laugh at that one.

A thought comes to me.

“Hey, Banister, you mentioned you were opening a few more restaurants here in town. What kind of food will you be serving at them? I’m assuming they’ll all be different.”

“That they will,” he says with a giant grin, and I can tell food is a topic he’s most eager to talk about. “One will specialize in fried chicken, another in the best grilled burgers you’ve ever had, and a third will be all about those bubble tea drinks that have swept the nation.”

“ Ooh, I love me some good boba. And considering Brambleberry Bay is deficient in the delight, I cannot wait. Wow, you must have deep pockets to get everything going at once.”

He ticks his head to the side. “More like frisky fingers who know how to get their hands on some cash and from who. Why do you think I’m dressed as Robin Hood?” He belts out a laugh. “Kidding. You know there’s always a loan officer when it comes to bankrolling my empire.” He winks my way before a headless vampire-looking creature comes over and pats him on the back.

The two men begin to chat and I give a little wave before snapping a chocolate chip cookie off the table just as I spot the wickedest witch of them all.

Venetta Brandt gleams in a glittering gown that looks artfully tethered to her as it tapers down to her ankles. She’s clad in a red satin frock with what appears to be genuine rubies scattered around her bodice. Her red locks are curled to perfection and she’s wearing a black pointy hat with a gorgeous red satin ribbon that ties off in an adorable bow. It seems our resident witch has quite the witchy wardrobe, and I have no doubt this, too, is haute couture.

Speaking of bankrolling an empire, how in the world is Venetta bankrolling hers? I mean, she works for Nora, for Pete’s sake, as a brand manager. I highly doubt Nora is doling out the big bucks to anyone. Especially considering the fact…

I gasp hard and nearly drop my cookie in the process as Nora’s inner musings come back to me.

Someone has been skimming off the top at Velvet Vanity! And I’ll bet my chocolate chip cookie I just figured out who it is.

Hey? Wasn’t Silas working with Venetta on some renovations at the spas?

I gasp again because I have a feeling I know the secret Silas dug up on our local witch.

A secret that he was forced to take to the grave.

I spot her leaving the room and I zip right on after her.