“Dude,” I echoed in agreement.
Soon the shop was crowded with chattering partygoers. Most were women; other than Xander, only onebrave man had taken us up on the invitation and wore a sort of late-1970s jumpsuit that matched the one his daughter wore. The two of them stood together, beaming with pride. I welcomed several Aunt Cora’s Closet regulars, as well as Haight Street neighbors.
“Here comes Renee,” said Maya quietly. She had sidled up to me without my noticing, so intent was I on the arrivals.
I stroked my medicine bag for strength, and to help me focus.
“Accompanied by Wind Spirit, in matching cupcake dresses.” Just as I’d thought. They carried large pink bakery boxes, which they set down on a nearby refreshment table. Wind Spirit started removing the cupcakes from the boxes and setting them on plates, while Renee worked the crowd, the picture of ease and contentment.
Surely she wouldn’t have dosed cupcakes that were for the general public, would she? Was I willing to take that chance?
“How does Wind Spirit know Renee, do you suppose?” asked Maya.
“I’m not sure, but I’ll bet it has something to do with cupcakes.” I continued to watch Wind Spirit, trying to determine if she was left-handed. She was using both hands to put out the cupcakes, not seeming to favor either one.
“You want me to... keep an eye on them, or something?” Maya asked. “I’m not sure what I should be on the lookout for, but I’m happy to try.”
“That’s okay, Maya. Thanks, though. Mostly I want to get Wind Spirit alone to see if I can get her to tell me anything,” I said.
“Wind Spirit? I thought you told me you were worried about Renee?”
“I’m worried about both of them. It’s... a long story.”
Maya nodded. “So what else is new, right? I’ll go ask Renee to tell me about her cupcake business. That ought to keep her busy for a little while.”
“That’s a great idea.”
She moved across the room to join Renee, then subtly steered her over to chat with Lucille on the other side of the room. I approached Wind Spirit as she was arranging the last of the cupcakes on a tiered glass stand. At least they hadn’t brought meat pasties, so I didn’t have to worry about poisonous mushrooms.
“Are those ‘special’ cupcakes?” I asked Wind Spirit.
“Oh, yes, indeed they are! From Renee’s bakery!”
“So I hear. Wind Spirit, I have something in the back for you that you left at the voodoo supply shop the other day. And, oh! Look at this!” I said, picking up the tiered cupcake stand. “This platter needs to be tended to.... It’s not shiny enough. Let’s bring it in the back with us. Would you grab the bakery box with the rest of the cupcakes? There are more platters in the back.”
“Oh, um... sure.”
I led the way to the rear workroom, where it was slightly quieter. We set the cupcakes down on the kitchen counter.
“That issucha cute dress,” I said. “How in the world did you and Renee decide to come together, as a match?”
“It’s the craziest thing! I’m wild about her cupcakes, but then, isn’t everyone? So anyway, the second time I went into her bakery, she remembered my name—I have people I’ve known forageswho can’t remember my name. She’s so thoughtful.”
“I’ll bet. Here’s the stuff you left at Hervé’s shop,” I said, handing her the canvas bag.
She took it from me and peeked inside the bag. A blush stained her cheeks. “Oh, thank you. Did you, uh, see what’s in here?”
“The hexing supplies? Yes, I did.”
“Please don’t tell the coven sisters,” she said, stashing the bag under the table. “They wouldn’t approve. It’s just... I’m trying to get this little side business going, believe it or not, growing mushrooms in the basement of my apartment building. The super gave me permission and everything. But then my cousin stole my idea, and she’s trying to edge me out.... I know it’s silly, and I shouldn’t resort to something like this, but...” She trailed off.
“What kind of mushrooms are you growing?”
“Champignons de Paris,”she said. “Otherwise known as button mushrooms.”
“Not amanita?”
Wind Spirit looked shocked. “Those are poisonous! I would never grow something so dangerous. I took classes—I know what I’m talking about. I won’t even forage in the woods around here because unless you really know what you’re looking for, it’s easy to make a mistake. No, I get the spores from a reputable source in North Beach, and sell to a couple of local vendors.”
