Page 6 of Fresh Old Bounties

The other eyebrow joined the first, and I had the urgent need to shrivel up and die. One day, I told myself. One day I’d figure out the correct way to address her. Until then, I needed to stand strong and forge on.

“Sonia,” I repeated in a firmer tone. “I need to talk to you about the Corner Rose.”

Sonia’s eyes rolled toward Dru in a slow, exaggerated gesture that gave the shop’s costumes a run for their money. “You don’t say.”

“I’ve heard there is some interest by Tabbies, and I’d like to—” Her hand began to rise in a telltale stop gesture, and I rushed the rest of my words. “Lodge a complaint.”

Her mouth pursed as her hand completed the trip. “Let me stop you right there.”

By my side, Dru inhaled sharply. The tension in the shop ratcheted up by about a thousand percent.

“But it’s within my rights as a business owner,” I insisted before Dru’s demon claws popped out and we finally found out if Sonia really hid a sword inside her cane.

“I don’t want to hear it,” Sonia said. “This is my private time. Bring it up at the next meeting.”

That was funny, considering she’d had no trouble hearing herself talk PBOA business at my shop not that long ago. I opened my mouth to tell her just that when I noticed the purple and orange papers strewn across the glass counter.

“Are these the brochures for Halloween?” I asked excitedly. I grabbed one before she could stop me and oohed at the ghostly pumpkins and assorted Halloween details decorating the corners.

“The proofs,” Sonia admitted grudgingly. “Check your details are right since you’re here. Saves me a trip.”

Ignoring Dru’s pointed elbow in my side, I scanned the paper eagerly. Most paranormal stores in Olmeda were featured in the promotion, along with a couple of normal human ones, so as to not draw too much attention since we were still a secret from the world at large. Bosko’s garish gift apparel shop had a place of honor on top, and I would bet the shop he hadn’t spent an extra dime for it. The man was like the mafia boss of Olmeda’s tourist trade and had one huge finger in every money-making pie.

I read down the list of shops until I found mine tucked away at the bottom. I didn’t mind that—I was the newcomer and needed to pay my dues, but the typo was definitely a problem.

“My shop’s name is spelled wrong,” I told Sonia woefully. “It says Chauldron instead of Cauldron.”

“Let me see.” She snatched the brochure from my hands, read the bottom of the paper, and made an angry noise. Muttering something about first late, then wrong and next year we’re using Paula’s printer, she clicked her pen to red and circled the typo a few times. Once done, she focused back on me. “Have you gotten anywhere with Cavalier?”

The question startled me. “We had dinner the other day at that French place by Balton Square and he’s invited me to walk the dogs with him a couple of mornings before work.” I wasn’t about to tell her we hadn’t had sleepovers yet or progressed beyond a few lingering goodnight kisses. Or admit that I was still coming to terms with the change in our relationship. The question was intrusive enough as it was; what business was our new dating life of hers?

Sonia closed her eyes, as if praying for patience. “The cemetery tour, Avery. I’m asking about the Halloween cemetery tour.” She taped the paper on the counter with a perfectly manicured nail, pointing to a suspiciously empty spot. “There’s still time to include it in the brochures.”

“Oh, that.” I brightened considerably. “I think we’re slowly wearing him down. He insists he’s thinking about it, but the strays are on my side.” If my excellent proposals didn’t convince him to open his cemetery for special Halloween night haunted tours, I was sure he’d eventually agree if only to shut Alex and Shane up about playing Garreth the Hound, Olmeda’s number one Halloween attraction.

“Tick tock, tick tock. The clock is ticking. We need to know ASAP. By next meeting, if possible.”

I bit my lip. The next PBOA meeting was on Thursday. I wasn’t sure we had worn Ian down that much yet.

Wait a moment. Was this a test? I studied Sonia intently, but she gave nothing away. If I didn’t get Ian to agree to the tours, she’d shut my complaint about Dru’s ex down?

“Are we done here?” she asked.

“No,” said Dru. “The Corner Rose?—”

“Next meeting.”

Dru and Sonia stared at each other so hard, I almost heard the electric boom of their glares clashing halfway.

Gently, I tugged on Dru’s arm. “We’ll bring it up at the meeting.”

Dru narrowed her eyes one last time at Sonia, then allowed me to drag her away from the counter. Just as we reached the door, it opened, and I had to duck to avoid getting smacked in the face.

Hutton entered the shop, barely acknowledging us as he stepped aside to let us pass. A younger and more beautiful version of Ian, the local shifter alpha exuded power and grimness wherever he went.

Dru stormed out of the shop, but I paused to greet him.

“Hello, Hutton. How are things?”

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