Page 67 of Bright Dark Curses

Still “preparing for shipment.”

“What is it?” Dru asked, noticing my scowl.

I showed her the screen. “It’s been like this all day, even though I ordered it last night.”

“Uh-oh.”

“No. No ‘uh-oh.’ It’s gotta be a bug, right? Like someone forgot to scan the shipping label or their software is glitching, right?”

Dru patted my arm. “Sure, Hope.”

This couldn’t stand. “I’m going to call them.”

I snuck around the closest corner, where it was quieter, and found the shop’s number.

“Thank you for calling,” chirped an automated female voice. “We cannot come to the phone right now, so please leave a message.”

Oh, I would leave a message. “Hi, I’m calling about order…” Shoot, I hadn’t checked my order number. “The black jade order,” I amended. “It’s important I receive it today, so please call me back if there are any delays. Thank you.”

I ended the call and joined Dru and the dogs.

“Bad news?”

“Voice mail.” I pocketed my phone and came to a sudden decision. “We’re going to Veva.”

“Why?” Dru sounded genuinely confused. “I already got her vote.”

As penance for her unkind remark, Dru got to stay with Fluffy and Rufus outside Veva’s tiny shop. As usual, the inside carried an atmospheric darkness worthy of the tarot and occultism items she sold.

Veva greeted me warmly. She was in her usual slacks and turtleneck soft sweater, her dark hair gathered under a colorful scarf. “Hello, Hope.”

“Hi, Veva. Are you having a good day?”

“I sold three of my most expensive tarot sets online and a gift box of candles.”

“The future is here, and it’s good to enjoy its fruits,” I agreed.

“What brings you around?” She gave Dru a pointed look. “Not another tarot reading, I assume, since Dru’s here with Cavalier’s dogs.”

I gave her a sheepish smile. “Maybe next week? I wanted to see if you happened to have any charged black jade on hand. For spells.”

Her regretful expression told me all I needed to know. “I don’t sell charged crystals. Sorry, Hope.”

No true heroine had achieved that title by having an easy path, I consoled myself. “Do you think any of your local suppliers might? I need it by tonight. Tomorrow morning at the latest.” I could do the potion in the morning, then pass out and have Brimstone give it to the witch for me. Not ideal, but it’d do.

“I will ask around, see if anyone has one.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that.”

She studied me closely. “Does this have anything to do with the fact that someone came asking questions about you yesterday?”

“What?” I squeaked in alarm.

“A woman. About midthirties, brown hair in a bun and blue eyes. Anyone you know?”

I sure did. I rubbed my forehead. “The Council sent a witch to test me. That’s why I need the black jade.”

“Ah.”

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