On the way to the library, I try to focus on the case. I even pull out the papers and start scanning thetwominuscule statements and the pictures Dad sent over. One of the statements is from Belinda, the other is from a school secretary. I can’t believe she’s still alive, let alone still working.
It looks like Belinda went over to the school and waited for Dad after she found the body, which makes it even more surprising it wasn’t a three-ring circus last night when I arrived. A dead body that close to a school usually causes a stir. I think the fact that it’s a stranger makes it less salacious.
Remy parks the SUV right out front, and I note the large white sheet of paper taped to the inside window that reads, “Closed until further notice.” I probably should have expected this. I grab my phone, making sure not to disconnect the charger, and dial Dad’s number. He answers on the second ring with a gruff, “Hello?”
“Hey, Pop. I’m at the library a little early.”
“I could meet you,” he responds, and I hear the metal clang of a file drawer closing.
“Are you able to come over now, or should I come grab the key?” Remy and Felix both wait patiently for me. I’m probably not giving them the best first impression of how I work, especially since it was Felix who had to point out the clue that brought us here in the first place.
“Can you give me ten?”
“Sure, there’s no scene tape up, we—I mean, am I okay to walk the perimeter?”
“Yup, you know what to do if you find anything,” he tells me, and I don’t feel so incompetent.
“Okay, see you soon.” I hang up the phone and tuck it back into the pocket in my bag. “I’m going to have a look around. Dad will be here soon, so…” I can’t bring myself to tell them to go ahead and leave, so instead, I half-ass it. “Thanks for the ride. It was good seeing you guys even if… Well, you know what I mean.” I bounce my gaze between Remy and Felix. It stinks that Grayson isn’t here, but it’s okay too.
Remy actually rolls his eyes at me and opens his door to exit. “I don’t know why you keep thinking you’re getting rid of us,” he replies. I’m at a complete loss for how to respond. “I’m going to get offended. Are you coming?” he adds, which spurs me into action.
I notice a few heads turn in our direction as we approach the library steps. I don’t know if it’s because they know what happened inside, or if it’s just Remy drawing their attention. He’s always been a big deal around here, but I’m sure the fact that he plays ball professionally adds to that. Felix joins us near the front walk.
“The librarian didn’t think he was inside when she locked up for lunch. I need to see if there’s another way he might have gotten in.” Most private and public buildings have protection sigils over doors and windows, or the entire property might be protected, such as the guys’ house, but I have a feeling the symbols here lost their potency a long time ago or were annulled. It’s not uncommon in places like this, especially since it’s so close to the school and kids might have snuck in and out of here over the years.
Remy and Felix follow me without instruction, each of them looking at the building for any weak spots. “Do you guys know Ms. Miller?” I look back at them as we make our way around the stone structure.
“Never met her, but Grayson probably did,” Remy supplies. I nod. That makes sense if he’s the mayor. The library is technically owned by the town, even though it was built along with the school. I’m still blown away he’s the mayor.
“How did that happen anyway?” I tuck my hair back. I shouldn’t be asking this question, but I want to know.
“Him meeting her? No clue. I’m just assuming.” Remy steps up near a window and tries to push it open from the outside.
“No, Grayson becoming the mayor.”
“Oh, that.” Remy gives up when the window doesn’t budge.
“An unyielding sense of duty?” Felix offers, which makes Remy snort.
“Try his mom guilted him into it after Winston left town. Dude finally grew some balls and ended up screwing over the one person who had his back.” It’s clear Remy thinks Winston left his issues on Grayson, but I always thought Winston really wanted to be a part of this town. I’m sure leaving was hard on him, or maybe I’m just projecting my own feelings onto the situation.
“You said he was a big guy, right? So he probably wouldn’t have fit through there.” Felix points to one of the lower-level windows. The glass is broken out of half of the small window. I don’t think I could even fit through the gap without getting cut up.
I crouch down to get a better look. There’s some hair or fur stuck to the sharp edges in a few spots, making me think the broken window isn’t a new addition and that something has been using it to come and go for a long time. I grab a tuft of dark, silky fur and rub it between my fingers.
The magic it’s imbued with reaches out to me, and the next thing I know, I’m on my ass and looking up at a perplexed Felix. I glance at Remy and ask, “What just happened?”
He looks half pissed and half freaked out. “You grabbed something and flew back about three yards. Can you stand?” He reaches for my arm before I can respond and picks me up off the ground. I look around, and I am indeed several feet away from the window.
The fur I was touching is gone, but I can still feel the lingering effects of the magic on my fingers, making them all tingly.
“Does this kind of shit happen to you all the time when you’re working? What if you were alone?” Remy demands. I don’t even think my feet are touching the ground. I can feel his hard body against mine. The dampness of sweat under my clothes makes my shirt cling to my stomach, and his too, so I can feel every ridge of his abs.
Great. I wait all these years for my witch, and all she can think about is bonking the ogre.
“Pardon?” I’m looking at Remy, and I know the voice didn’t come from him, but what other explanation is there?
“She needs a healer.” He turns and lugs me down the grassy hill at a surprisingly quick pace.
