"Which brings us back to that tarot reader. She seems to be where this all started." I tried to remember the details of Katie's story. "Do we have any idea who she is?"
"Isabel," Beth said, her voice suddenly sounding tense. She looked away from us, her cheeks turning a faint shade of pink.
"Isabel?" I asked, my curiosity piqued by Beth's reaction. "Do you know her or something?"
Beth hesitated for a moment, then sighed reluctantly. "Yes, I do. She's bad news."
“Well, too bad for Isabel.” I glared down the street where Katie's car had disappeared. "Karma may be a bitch, but so am I. If she’s involved in this, we’ll find her and make her regret it."
21
EMMA
The scentof spicy curry and garlic naan filled the air as Deva, Beth, Carol, and I huddled around a tiny table amidst the construction chaos in Deva's restaurant. The place was a mess, sawdust on the floor, ladders leaning against walls, and tarps draped over the furniture like ghostly shrouds. That didn't stop us from making the best of it, perching on paint-stained stools and balancing our takeout containers on our knees.
"Ugh, this is divine," I said, my mouth full of butter chicken. My taste buds were doing a happy dance, while the aroma wafting from the food cast a spell of comfort over me. By the time we'd picked up food and got back to Deva's, my stomach had been in danger of eating itself. "Deva, we need to get this place back up and running ASAP. I'm going through a serious withdrawal here."
"Tell me about it." Deva's gaze swept over the disarray. "At least we have this little corner to keep us going."
“But we’re going to get it all back,” Beth said, with a firm nod. “We just have to deal with the person who cursed you.”
“Speaking of which, where are we at with the investigation?” Carol asked.
Beth lifted up her fingers and started counting them. “Deva’s father isn’t involved in the curse. Katie isn’t either, but there’s a curse connected toher. The Burns family is a pack of weirdos who use zombies as cooks, but they’re not involved in it. We might be missing something, but all signs are pointing to the witch who cursed Katie. If she’s not responsible, she might point us to the person who is at the least.”
She was right. That was where we were at. I just didn’t know anything about this witch, Isabel. Was she truly capable of cursing Deva and Katie? Or were we barking up the wrong tree?
"Deva," I said cautiously. "How do you feel about investigating Isabel?"
Deva stared at the construction debris surrounding us. The smell of sawdust and paint filled the air, mingling with the savory aroma of our takeout. At least it didn't smell like straight up smoke anymore. That was something.
Deva picked up a forkful of noodles, twirling them absently before answering.
"I'm not exactly what you'd call thrilled about it. From what I know about her, she’s not exactly the friendly, helpful type," she said, her tone somber. "We need to find out why she had such a problem with Katie and me, and she won't come clean without some sort of persuasion." She cleared her throat. "Speaking of persuasion," Deva said with a sly grin. "I put a little something in our food to help bolster our courage for the confrontation." She tapped the side of the takeout container, winking conspiratorially.
"Really?" Beth asked, her eyebrows raised. "What kind of something?"
"Let's just say I found a few potions that survived the fire in my office," Deva said cryptically. "Trust me, it'll help." She took a few bites, then a smile rose on her lips. "Speaking of exciting news. I may or may not have had a date with Marquis last night."
"Deva!" Carol squealed, clapping her hands in delight. "You sly fox, Tell us everything."
"Details, please." Beth leaned forward with interest, as did I.
"Okay, okay." Deva laughed. "Well, he picked me up, and there was this amazing bouquet of flowers waiting for me in the car..." As she regaled us with tales of their romantic evening, I couldn't help but be beyond happy for my friend. Deva deserved every bit of happiness he brought her.
"Seriously? He cooked you dinner?" I asked incredulously as Deva recounted the mouthwatering menu. "I didn't even know he could cook."
"Neither did I," she said with a giggle. "Let me tell you, that man knows his way around a kitchen. I may have to hire him here when we're rebuilt."
Beth sighed, her eyes glazed over with envy. "That's it. I'm officially jealous."
Deva shrugged, her smile radiant. "I guess there's always more to learn about someone, but I’m really happy. It feels like one chapter of my life is closing, and another one is opening.”
We talked for a little white longer, until the conversation quieted, and we were all left smiling. That was the best partof my meals here in Mystic Hollow, I had them surrounded by people I loved instead of alone. Life was good.
"Well, my friends," I said as we finished our meal. "I think it's time we go have a little chat with Isabel."
Deva's eyes flashed. "We need answers, and we won't let her push us around."
