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“I’m the assistant director of security,” Penny chirped. “That’s what I’m here for.”

Guilt stung my chest. I never would’ve sorted Judd’s emails. Penny was already proving to be a better “me” than I’d been, or at least a more accommodating one.

I rose to my feet. “I’ll catch up with you later.”

Penny looked crushed. “You’re leaving already? You only just got here.”

“My head is starting to hurt,” I lied.

“Oh. You should probably call Justine when you get a chance, to check in.”

“I will. Promise.”

It wasn’t a lie. I would touch base with Justine as soon as I was able to resolve the current crisis—whenever that was.

Instead of driving home, I drove my golf cart to Meemaw’s condo. Two heads were better than one; the crone might be able to help me lock down the blood ritual more quickly.

“You could’ve called first,” Meemaw said, upon opening the door.

“I have a lot going on,” I replied, then noticed her face smothered in what appeared to be green slime. “Apparently, so do you.”

She puttered away from the door. “It’s a face mask. I’m working on developing a skincare line.”

“I see.”

“Go on. Make a flippant remark. You know you want to.”

“Not flippant, just curious.” Meemaw wasn’t exactly known for her smooth, unblemished skin. “Who would be your target demographic?”

“We live on an island of prunes,” Meemaw said. “Who do you think?”

“Not the vampires.”

“Then I won’t market to them. They’re penny pinchers anyway. How do you think they afford those big houses?” She ambled into the kitchen area. “Can I get you a drink? I made iced tea infused with blackberries. Well, technically Margie made it under my supervision.”

“No thanks. I’m not in the mood to pee anymore.”

“I didn’t realize bodily functions were based on vibes.”

“I drank a lot of water, but I’m too busy to break the seal.”

“That takes me back to my nightclub days.” Meemaw polished her stacked knuckle rings and examined her Hulk-like reflection in the smooth metal surface.

“How long do you have to leave on the mask?”

“I’m testing a daily routine of sixty minutes.”

“That’s a long time.”

“My target market is retired. They’ve got nothing but time.” Meemaw gave me a contemplative look. “You seem out of sorts. Everything okay?”

I leaned my forearms on the counter. “Ever feel like the universe is conspiring against you?”

“I’m a witch. What do you think? Is it work?”

“Among other things.”

“That bad Penny causing you trouble?”