Chapter One

When the going get tough, the tough eat cupcakes. That was my mantra these days. The sound of the massive mixer going and the smell of chocolate and cinnamon was enough to overwhelm my busy brain and cast aside the numerous grim thoughts that had been running through my mind like a movie during the last several weeks. After the debacle with Louis, almost losing my bakery, then discovering the true identity of the elf I’d forged a tentative friendship with, I wanted to do nothing more than crawl back under my blankets and sleep for weeks.

Anything to erase the events and subsequent traumas that came with it. Alas life, or most recently my un-life, didn’t quite work like that. I had responsibilities and lots of baked goods to make so I wouldn’t disappoint the denizens of Purgatory, the new, very odd city I was living in these days. When people say their town is weird, everyone just sort of nods and commiserates, but no one actually believes you. Trust me when I say, no town could top this one. Unless of course there were vampires, succubi, elves and werewolves coming into your cupcake shop at all hours of the day.

I dumped in several cups of hot coffee and a cup of espresso powder and let the mixer go for about a minute. When it finished, I began to ladle batter into the prepared pans. Jenna, my assistant, former PLE spy, and now friend, leaned over to look at the batter and frowned.

“Doesn’t that look too thin to you?”

“Nope,” I said and kept ladleing. “There’s a secret to chocolate cake. Some people make it like a yellow cake, but I find if you use boiling water or coffee, it adds extreme moisture in. The cake practically falls apart in your mouth.”

Jenna gave me a dubious stare. “Doesn’t it taste like coffee?”

I grinned. “You would think that, but no. The coffee only serves to deepen the chocolate flavor.” I steadily filled the cupcake pans. We were going to have a busy day. “Chocolate can be versatile. My father used to make this beautiful beef stew. No one could ever replicate it. I happened to wander into the kitchen one day when he was making it and saw him dumping a massive tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa into the pot.”

Jenna grimaced. “That sounds disgusting.”

“You’d think,” I responded, “but that chocolate brought out a deep rich flavor in that stew that I’ve never tasted anywhere else.” I let myself smirk. “Except for my chili of course.”

Jenna snorted. “Humble to the core.”

I handed over the ladle. “Keep going and I’ll get the front ready for opening. What’s the special today?”

A secretive smile showed up on her face which always worried me a little bit. We’d been treading the edge of wildly offensive cupcakes lately but had yet to fall over. I wondered if today was that day.

“Halloween is coming up so I thought we could toe the line a little bit.”

I wiped my hands on a clean towel and shook my head. “I thought we were already doing that.”

She rolled her eyes. “Piper, this is Purgatory. Sure there are humans here, but this place is rife with creatures who revel in this stuff. Plus...Halloween! It’s the best time of the year here.”

I stared at her. “But it’s like Halloween every day,” I argued.

Her lips pursed. “You’ve never seen Halloween Purgatory style. Trust me on this. It will be fun.”

I slid my apron over my head. Jenna knew what she was doing. “Fine. But remember I need this job!”

She grinned at me as I hung my apron on the hook and turned to go to the front. I winced just as I was turning around as she grabbed a massive jar of strawberries. Those could only mean one thing.

Blood.

Two hours later the Open sign was blinking its neon rays onto the streets outside and Jenna was putting the final touches on the Daily Specials sign. I cringed but let her run with it. Outlined in cleverly drawn crime scene tape, Jenna carefully wrote the following:

Today’s Special

Bloody Splatter!

A gorgeous Red Velvet cupcake topped with smooth cream cheese icing and a strawberry reduction

Revel in a murder scene in your mouth!

“A murder scene in your mouth, Jenna? Really?” I paused in wiping down the counters as she came back in the store.

She grinned, her bright white teeth glinting under the fluorescent light. “The vamps are going to love it.”

“Let me see one of them,” I said with a sigh.

She waggled her eyebrows and headed to the back. Moments later she carried a tray back with her and I had to snort. They were gorgeous and also kind of gross. What most people didn’t realize about red velvet cake was that it was just slightly modified chocolate cake. The deep red color usually came from an entire bottle of red food color dumped into the batter. I had never been okay with that tactic so I tended to use beet powder to color my cakes. You couldn’t taste it, unlike the sometimes acrid food coloring aftertaste, and it added some nutritional value to it. I never told anyone though because people were weird about vegetables. Even Jenna was dubious when she asked me where the food coloring was and I gave her a jar of the beet powder. She argued valiantly for her cause, but I refused to settle. We used enough food color in our icings and fondants, we didn’t have to use it in our cake too.

She set the tray in front of me. The smell of cream cheese and chocolate hit me. Heavenly. I picked one of them up and studied the color. Deep red, not as vivid as using the food coloring, but still a gorgeous red. The top was where it got weird. Billowy cream cheese icing lay in a beautiful swirl. On top of it lay a fondant character with a bloody knife sticking out of its heart and strawberry reduction splattered all over it. It was a gruesome yet gorgeous work of art.

I still didn’t know how she was able to make hundreds of these things in mere hours, but Jenna was magical and I, alas, was merely human. I had yet to ask her. Jenna was a changeling, gifted in the art of glamour. I wasn’t sure yet what else she was gifted in, but the logical part of me knew it was impossible to make this many gorgeously decorated cupcakes in that short amount of time. I shook my head.

“You’ve outdone yourself. Even I’m grossed out by these.”

“Yessss,” she hissed under her breath. “Exactly what I was going for.”

She took the tray, leaving me holding one of the gruesome cakes, and set it on the spinning display several inches away from the register. Earlier I’d set out the breakfast offerings - a combination of blueberry and chocolate chip muffins, ham and cheddar scones, cheese danishes and chocolate croissants. We had a few cupcake selections available this early, but most people leaned toward breakfast first. If they asked, though, we could offer them whatever selection we had.

Moments after the tray was settled and we were ready to go, the first customers began to pour in. We were beginning to have regulars which was kind of a cool feeling, but most of the people who wandered in I’d never seen before. It always made me wonder how large Purgatory actually was.

The first person who came in I’d initially thought was a doddering old woman. I spoke a little too loud to her at first until Jenna had leaned over and hissed in my ear, “you idiot, she’s a seer, not senile.”

The woman had looked at me with humor sparkling in her eyes as I cringed. She’d forgiven me for my faux pas and now, when she wandered in a few times a week, I usually gave her coffee on the house.

“Hello, dearie,” she said in her creaky voice.

“Good morning, Mrs. Kingsbury.”

She waved a wrinkled hand. “Don’t you think we’re past that now? Please call me Dolores.”

I smiled. “ Then good morning, Dolores. Your usual?”

She leaned over and peered through the glass case, an action that always made me nervous because every time she did it she wobbled which made me think she was going to pitch face first into the pastry case. “Well, I do so love those cheese danishes, but that chocolate croissant is making my mouth water! How about one of those today with a cappuccino? Add extra cinnamon if you would, sweetheart.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I totaled her pastry up, minus the coffee.

She handed over exact change, her hands tremoring a bit. I handed the slip over to Jenna who immediately started her cappuccino. Dolores stepped to the side, allowing the next customer to come up.

My automatic smile dropped as I saw the next customer. Most of the woman’s features were obscured, but hair bright as autumn leaves flowed down past her shoulders and bright green eyes peered out from the shadows of the hood.

I licked my lips. There was something...odd about her. “Welcome to Deadly Confections. What can I get you this morning?”

The woman’s gaze pierced me. She said nothing, only reaching over to drop a slip of paper into our tip jar. She adjusted the cloak around her face, hiding the vivid shade of her eyes and slipped out of the store. I stood there dumbfounded for a moment.

Jenna whispered in my ear. “Piper?”

I shook myself out of my reverie. “Did you see her?”

She gave me a quizzical glance. “No, but you have people fidgeting in line.”

I blinked. “Oh. Crud. Sorry.” I motioned for the next person to come forward and tried to shake off the weirdness that had just occurred. My eyes couldn’t help shifting over to the paper in the jar every few minutes, though.

Who was she? What did she want? And, most importantly, why did she look so familiar?

Fifteen minutes to closing time, I slipped my apron over my head and leaned against the counter with a groan. My feet were killing me. I needed new shoes, but my wardrobe was still a hot mess thanks to the clothing rationing Purgatory does when you get here. I hated not having my own things. Jenna and I planned to rectify that very soon. The bakery, with her help, was starting to turn a tidy profit. I’d been careful not to spend hardly any of what I made, but I did use some of it for cab fare and a little more for groceries. Not much, I worked long hours so the only thing I really ate at home was dinner.

So I had plenty of money for shoes now and based on the way my toes were burning, I really needed to buy a new pair. Jenna sidled over from the coffee machine and stood beside me. “We’re going shopping tonight.”

I remembered the slip of paper in the tip jar. “Maybe in a few days?” I was already to get home and rest, but I was also itching to get my hands on that note.

Jenna frowned. “Just trying to help those barking dogs of yours.”

I looked down at my feet. “Dogs?”

“Yep. Feet. You’ve never heard that expression?”

“I prefer feet,” I said with a snort.

“Well, you may prefer it, but your dogs prefer a new pair of shoes.”

I whacked her with my towel as she walked away laughing.

The bell overhead tinkled and I stifled a sigh. That felt like the shortest break ever. I turned around with a smile on my face only to see Niko. My smile grew wider and I stifled down that little lurch my heart did whenever he came around. After Louis and the bakery debacle, Niko and I had built a tentative...not a friendship exactly, but a truce. He’d purchased me a new television after some of Louis’ thugs broke into my apartment and trashed what little belongings I had.

“Hi,” I said and winced as it came out way to breathy. I heard Jenna snort from inside of the kitchen.

Niko was drop dead handsome. Dark hair, dark eyes, olive skin and a lean build, he didn’t just walk into a room, he owned it as soon as he stepped in. The air became stifled and still. All you could see and hear was him. It was unnerving and always made me uncomfortable. But it only lasted a few seconds. Just until he spoke. Then the world righted itself on its axis and time sped up to its normal speed.

He stepped up to the register and sighed. “I wish I could say I was only here for the food, but I have some questions if you have some time.” He gave me a lopsided smile.

My heart sank. He was here to ask about the Brotherhood again. I sighed and called out for Jenna to come to the front. “Are you hungry?”

His look was earnest and hopeful. I laughed and grabbed a plate “Muffin or danish?”

“Both?”

I chuckled and bent down to load his plate up. Jenna rolled her eyes and headed over to the machine to make him a white chocolate mocha. The only thing girly about Niko was his coffee choice. I had yet to make fun of him over it but I so wanted to. I’d wait for him to make me mad again and then I’d mess with him about his sugar overloaded PMS drink.

He thanked me profusely and nodded for me to follow him over to one of the few secluded tables I had in the shop. I wiped my hands on a towel and headed over, thankful he hadn’t brought Stern with him. Niko was imposing, but Stern was on a different level. Plus she was kind of mean and I was pretty sure she hated me. She wanted me to take the fall for the murder that happened in my shop a few months ago, even though I had absolutely nothing to do with it.

He settled into the booth and dug into the muffin. “Piper, I swear,” he mumbled through a mouthful, “your muffins are divine.”

I smiled widely but I couldn’t help remember the first time I saw him and how someone dropped dead of poison in my shop. I think we’d gotten over that by now. It still wasn’t a great memory though. “I’m glad you like them,” I responded, swallowing down any other response that might make it awkward.

His dark gaze held mine for a moment longer than necessary. I blinked and looked away. “What kind of questions do you have for me?” I said after a moment.

Niko wiped his mouth and pulled open the familiar notepad. He clicked his pen and sighed. “I’m sorry. I have to ask you about the Brotherhood again. We have a lead, but we need all the information you can provide.”

My mouth went dry. Niko knew how much I didn’t want to talk about this.

His gaze softened. “Please, Piper. I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t really need it.”

I licked my lips. “I’ve told you everything.”

He nodded. “I know. But if there’s any detail, no matter how minute, we need to know.”

I sat back in the booth and crossed my arms against my chest. “Niko , I don’t think -”

The bell overhead jingled, interrupting what was I going to say. All the air was sucked out of my chest as Sam, my friend, and Master of the Veiled Brotherhood stepped in. Niko’s stare was heated and I quickly schooled my expression into one of neutrality. I had not said a peep about Sam’s identity to Niko, nor did I plan to anytime soon.

Sam was tall, lean, sandy-haired and possessed the most devilish and expressive green eyes I’d ever seen. He looked happy to see me until he saw the other person sitting in the booth. The beginnings of a smile dropped from his face and his expression schooled into one of disinterested neutrality.

Story of my life. I gave him a little wave to tell him I’d be over in a minute, but Sam didn’t wait. He veered right over to our table and pushed me with his hips to get me to move over as he slid into the booth.

I stared at him open mouthed, but he ignored it.

“Niko,” he said and nodded.

Annoyance sparked in Niko’s gaze, but he nodded back. “Sam.”

“I hate to break up your date here, but I need to borrow the baker.”

My eyebrows rose to my hairline. Of all the condescending…

A warm hand - Sam’s hand - squeezed my knee in apology. I was so surprised by it that I jerked, causing the table to shift.

Niko’s generous mouth thinned. He rose from the booth in a fluid motion. “My apologies,” he said, not sounding apologetic at all. He turned to me. “I’ll speak with you later, Piper.”

I noticed Niko didn’t bother to put his dishes up. He tended to do that when he got annoyed.

Silence fell over the table while I tried to work out exactly what I wanted to say to Sam, but his presence and that fact that his hand hadn’t moved from my knee was addling my brain. He cured the silence by moving to the other side of the booth so he could face me. I pretended not to notice how cold my knee felt now that his hand was gone.

His green gaze searched my face. “You’re annoyed with me.”

I opened my mouth to speak but shut it right away and frowned. I wasn’t sure what I was. Tilting my head, I studied him. He looked tired. No. Exhausted. But there was still that otherworldly sharpness to his face that I was drawn to. Where Niko was dark, Sam was light. His sandy hair was a sharp contrast to the deep ebony of Niko’s and his green eyes took in the light and amplified it where Niko’s only swallowed it. Two vastly different men were in my life and comparing them was doing a bit of good for anyone.

These two were my friends. Sort of. Friendsish.

That was all.

“Sam,” I said finally. “I haven’t seen you in awhile.”

He swallowed. “I know. I’m sorry for it. I just wasn’t sure what to do after what happened.”

What happened was a mere understatement for him accidentally revealing to me that he was the Supreme Leader of  the most dangerous shadowy criminal cult in Purgatory. It wasn’t like we had an awkward moment over cupcakes. He’d killed my ex-boyfriend, yet also made the effort to return my mother’s ring to me. He was a thrilling contradiction.

I should be wise and stay away from him.

But no one had ever accused me of being wise.

I leaned forward and whispered, “Yeah. You mean when you revealed yourself as a criminal?” I hissed. “What do you want me to say to that?”

Sam scrubbed a hand over his face. “Nothing.” He sighed. “Everything.” A harsh laugh broke from him. “I know what it seems like on the surface. I do. I can’t explain everything right now, but I hope you trust me, Piper.”

I snorted. “You saved my life from the very group you support. How in the world am I supposed to coincide that with the supposed handyman sitting in front of me?”

Sam was wearing a pair of loose jeans, a vintage rock band t-shirt, a pair of sneakers, and a low slung tool belt. His hair was a little messed up like he’d just rolled out of bed, and the beginning of a blond five o’clock shadow was peppering his strong jawline. He looked nothing like the man the Brotherhood knew him to be. But I didn’t know what kind of man that was.

His expression was stricken. “I know. I wish things were different.” Sam sighed. “I’m here for something else, though.” His gaze flicked down to study the table.

I stood abruptly. “Let me close up the shop and we can talk.”

Sam nodded and watched me walk away.

I headed back to the kitchen first where Jenna was wiping down the counters. She took one look at me and her eyes widened. “What. What is it?”

“Sam is here,” I said in a low whisper. I had no idea how well elves could hear.

Jenna’s eyes brightened. She had no idea who he really was. My sweet assistant thought Sam was merely a cute handyman.

I sighed. “Not like that.”

She rolled her eyes. “He hasn’t been around for awhile. I thought you’d done something to make him angry.”

I frowned. “Thanks for that. No. We had some...issues.”

Her face brightened. “That I assume you would like to speak about now so you’re back here hinting around that I should leave.”

I couldn’t help the smile on my face. “Well. Sort of. Now please leave.”

Jenna laughed as she tossed the rag in the sink, gave me a mock salute, and went to gather her purse. Before she left she leaned over and whispered, “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

I gave her a light shove on the shoulder. “Get out of here,” I hissed.

“Such a rush,” Jenna said, laughter in her voice. “Slow and easy, Piper, slow and easy.” She gave Sam a jaunty little wave as she headed out the door.

Chapter Two

Sam chuckled under his breath and waited for me as I locked the doors behind her and pulled the shades down on the windows. Before I sat back down, I headed back over to the case, grabbed a plate and got Sam one of the leftover specials and a chocolate chip muffin. I added a no sugar latte and plopped it down in front of him.

His mouth twitched and he speared me with that emerald gaze. “Even after what you know, you’d still feed me?”

I met his steady gaze. “One incident does not a person make. I’m choosing to trust you, Sam. Please don’t make me regret it.”

The tension between us was palpable and only broke when Sam gave me a stiff nod and picked up his fork. He was the only one I’d ever seen who ate a cupcake with a fork. Most of the Purgatory residents dug right in, not caring if icing got on their nose or their fangs...or whatever some of them had for teeth.

I waited, fully understanding the concentration that went into fully appreciating a cupcake. He smiled as he carefully moved the fondant dead guy to the side and swirled strawberry puree onto his fork with a dollop of the cream cheese icing. “Nice,” he murmured and took his first bite.

“Jenna’s idea,” I said.

“I can tell.” Sam pushed aside a piece of cake. “This tastes slightly different than the red velvet I’m used to.”

I blinked. If a man could actually tell the subtle difference in ingredients used in a cupcake, I was going to fall madly in love with him, club him over the head, and drag him back to my lair.

“Beets?” he asked.

I swooned. Subtly, of course. “Yes,” I said, my voice huskier than I’d hoped.

“Clever,” he murmured and devoured the rest of the food before he spoke again.

By then I’d shaken off my cow-eyed gaze and gotten myself a little more together. Sam appeared to be oblivious of my sudden and overwhelming infatuation with him. I had my game face on.

“What did you need?” I asked as soon as he scraped up the last of the icing.

He wiped his mouth. “Thank you for the food, Piper. It’s very much appreciated. The Brotherhood doesn’t have the best offerings.” He gave me a wry smile. “It even feels weird saying that. I’ve had to keep it secret for so long.”

“I can’t imagine a shadowy cult uses a regular caterer.” I clamped my lips together because that sounded super snarky, but Sam laughed out loud.

“Well, I guess you could call it that. Those who seek to call it a Brotherhood do not truly know the virtues and benefits of a brotherhood, but those who fall into our cult tend to stick close to those around him. It becomes a brother because of circumstance and not choice.” Sam set his napkin down. “I’m here now because I’ve received credible information about a visitor you may have had today.”

I sucked in a breath. He didn’t have to say anymore because I knew exactly who he was speaking about. Those green eyes behind that cloak were remarkably similar to Sam’s own.

His eyes lit up. “So you have seen her?” He exhaled a shaky breath.

I nodded. “Her eyes. They look like yours.”

A rueful smile crossed his mouth. “I should think so. She’s my sister.”

I blinked. I had no idea he had a sister, but I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. We didn’t know each other that well anyway.

“She’s in danger, Piper. Can you tell me everything she may have said to you?” Pain flashed across his face. “Was she well? Did she look hurt? Can you tell me where she is?”

I stared. “That was a lot of questions, Sam.” I went and grabbed the slip of paper the woman had left. I hadn’t read it yet. I handed it over to him and slid back into the booth.

He opened it and his gaze immediately shuttered. I watched as his jaw clenched and the paper crumpled slightly in his hands. I was dying to know what it said, but I didn’t want to seem nosy.

A moment later Sam shoved the note over to me. There’s only the word help scrawled in a feminine hand and an address hurriedly written.

“Why?” he mused, more a question to himself than me. “Why would she come here? To you?”

I pushed the note back to him. “It’s just a note, Sam. Maybe she meant for you to have it but she couldn’t get to you. Maybe she couldn’t risk approaching you directly because she knew she was being followed.”

A thin smile crossed his lips. “If you knew my sister you would know she’s unafraid of everything. There was a reason she came here.” He made no move to take the note. “I don’t want to ask you this, but she obviously wants to talk to you. Will you go to her?”

I crumpled the note between my fingers. “You ask too much.”

His gaze held mine. “I know. She wants to speak to you, not me. For whatever reasons she may have.” He laughed then, a self-deprecating amused chortle. “I haven’t seen her in twenty years and now that she’s back, she approaches you. If I were less of a man, it might hurt my feelings.”

I felt helpless. “Sam, I can’t help that -”

He held up a hand. “I am not angry. Just … concerned. For you. And her.” He ran a hand through his sandy hair making it look even wilder than it had before. “Every time I’m around her I want to wring her neck and now she isn’t even here and I still want to wring her neck!”

I could sympathize with him. I let two sisters and a brother behind and it felt like all we did was fight when we were growing up. Now, though, I missed them more than ever. Sam was lucky in the fact that he still had his sibling. I was never going to see mine again.

The atmosphere shifted. Sam reached over and took my hand. “Please just go see her. That’s all I will ask of you.”

The warmth of his hand against mine made me feel safe. Secure. Annoyed because he knew I was melting.

I pulled away. “I’ll go see her. It’s all I can promise.”

Sam stood and was about to reach for his plates when I waved him away. He tucked his hands in the front pockets of his jeans. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry. I wish I could explain.”

I really looked at him then. “Why are your eyes -” I waved my hand at his face, “normal now?”

He blinked. “Oh! I can control it. We all can. We can’t very well go out in about in public wearing silver rings around our eyes, now can we?”

My eyes narrowed. “Louis’ did.”

Something flickered in his eyes. Anger? Fear? I wasn’t sure.

“That he did.” He said nothing further and disappeared.

“That’s creepy!” I yelled out to the empty room.

No one responded.

Chapter Three

Sam’s absence made me feel a little empty. I sat at the table for a little bit watching the residents of Purgatory come and go through the small crack I made in the blinds. Not enough for anyone to see me. I was closed up for the evening. Every once in awhile a shadow would linger by the door and I could sense someone peeking in through the front. I sat for a few minutes more and eventually got up to finish closing up shop.

I was aware of the note the entire time I swept and wiped down the counters. Once I was finished and we were sufficiently prepped for the next day’s business, I called the cab company to pick me up. I pulled the note from my pocket when I saw a red taxi pull up and rattled it off to the driver.

He grunted and took off at a speed that made me glad I was already technically dead. Less than ten minutes later I was dropped off a shop called Pixie’s Apothecary. It wasn’t as foreboding as some of the other places around here. In fact…it was downright charming. Shaped like a small castle, the display windows were stocked with cauldrons and potion bottles, spiders (which I hoped were fake) and pumpkins. This entire place was like Groundhog Day … if Groundhog Day were Halloween.

I pushed open the door and the intoxicating scent of sandalwood incense hit me right in the face. I took a deep breath and let it out in a long sigh. I loved the smell of it, but I didn’t get to smell it nearly as often as I would have liked to. When all of this was over I’d get Jenna to find me a shop that sold handmade incense. I’m sure there would be plenty of places with it around here. I let my gaze wander over the room and the brightly colored bottles stacked in haphazard angles all over the numerous shelves. Out of the corner of my eye, motion caught my attention. I turned only to see the edge of dark cloak disappearing around the corner. Annoyed already by the intrigue I didn’t want to be involved in, I waited for a few moments, content to explore the interesting contents around me. I allowed my fingertips to trail over the different shaped bottles, and noticed some were warm and others were cool, borderline cold, to the touch. Seconds later an older woman wearing a friendly smile approached me. She was taller than me by several inches and her thin frame allowed her walk to seem more like a graceful glide. Her face was lined but it didn’t detract from her beauty. It gave her a look of wisdom. Added to the deep brown color of her eyes, and I knew I was looking at someone who potentially possessed a lot of power. Was she a witch or something different? I couldn’t tell. I was still trying to adjust to just being human in a weird town like this.

The woman extended her hand to me and I reached out to clasp it. Something akin to an electric shock ran through me. Her hand squeezed and her eyes went molten gold.

“Someone who plays with the future will suffer a horrible fate. Beware, displaced soul. Beware.”

I yanked my hand away and stared at the woman in shock. “What was that about?” I demanded.

The woman’s face went white with shock. “I - I’m so sorry. That almost never happens.”

“What almost never happens?”

Her hands shook. “I can almost always control my visions. But that one -” She blew out a shaky breath. “That one came out of the blue. I’m sorry.” She turned abruptly before I could ask any more questions.

I stood there staring after her, but seconds later she uttered a harsh, “come,” so I rushed after her.

“My name is Elana,” she said. “Welcome to the Pixie Apothecary.” Her voice shook as she spoke. “We have spells and tinctures for most desires and issues.” She tossed a look back at me. “Though we do recommend using mundane means before resorting to magic.”

“Errmm,” I said, “I’m not here for anything -”

She interrupted. “I know what you’re here for.”

I shut my mouth and frowned. I followed Elana toward the back of the store. She stopped in front of a small black door, knocked twice in rapid succession, and pushed it open for me. She said nothing else, just waved her hands at me in an effort to rush me into the room. The door clicked shut behind me forcing me to blink several times in order to allow my eyes adjust to the darkness.

In front of me was the stereotypical set up for a fake fortune teller. Small round table, starry tablecloth, a round, clear quartz gazing ball and a stack of tarot cards sitting to the side. But the woman sitting at the table was anything stereotypical. Blazing red hair fell around the woman’s classic features lending an ethereal air to her already startling beauty. Bright green eyes - Sam’s green eyes - stared at me - judging and measuring, and her bowed bright red lips pursed as a thought occurred to her. She motioned for me to come forward and pushed a chair out with her foot.

I crossed the room and sat down, my ankles crossed and my hands in my lap. I was trying my best to appear relaxed even though I was screaming inside. Every human instinct I had was screaming at me to run, but then Sam’s handsome face would swim back into my thoughts making me stay.

“So,” the woman said, her accent crisp and cultured. I couldn’t place it. “Welcome to my little corner of Purgatory.”

One of my eyebrows rose at the dim room. “Nice digs you have here.”

A smile quirked her lips. “Well, when you’re in danger, you don’t get too picky.”

I sighed. “Why am I here?”

The woman clasped her fingers together. ‘“Straight to business. No wonder Sam is so smitten with you.”

An unladlylike snort escaped from me. “I hardly think smitten is the word you’re looking for.”

The woman merely stared.

“Why am I here?” I asked, my voice harsher than I intended.

“How you handled the situation with your ex was both brave and admirable.”

My gaze narrowed. “How is it that you know about that?”

She shrugged and studied her bright red fingernails. “Every elf has certain...gifts.”

I waited for her to elaborate, but silence fell like an anvil between us. I started to stand.

“Wait.” Her voice was urgent.

“Tell me why I’m here right now or I’ll walk out of this door and ignore any future requests.”

“The Veiled Brotherhood is suspicious of Sam. I need you to pass a message to him. Tell my brother to tread carefully. His life may depend on it.” She pushed her chair back only to freeze and hiss under her breath. “Hide,” she growled seconds before she disappeared into thin air.

I looked around, frantic. I was too big to hide under the table and the room was too small to successfully hide in a corner. My gaze fell on a rack of brightly colored scarfs. I lunged toward it and settle myself behind it, doing my best to conceal myself with silky fabric.

Seconds after I had just let out a deep gasping breath, the doors flung open and men began to pour into the room.

Large men, all wearing gray cloaks and carrying a vast array of weapons.

I held my breath and stood stock still.

What in the world had Sam managed to get me into this time?

Chapter 4

You would think men barging into a room intent on killing someone would be much louder. But the only real sound they made was the swooshing sound of their cloaks as they quickly searched the room and their harsh whispers.

One in particular which caught my ear. “She has to be here. Elana walked her back. Saw it myself.”

That dirty little psychic…

Someone passed so close to me the scarves swished with the movements. I was already frozen, but I stood so still it felt like rigor mortis was setting in. If he reached over six inches and pulled the material away, I would be a sitting duck. I started saying some mental prayers. Not that they’d be effective. You’d have to be an idiot not to look behind the area I was standing in.

“That baker. Can’t believe how Louis got taken out, man.”

Another man snorted in derision. “That wasn’t her. That was the Master.”

“Still she caused it.”

“She did. But he should have stayed out it. Purgatory ain’t going to miss one puny human baker.”

There was a pause for a moment before a more timid voice spoke up. “Her devil’s food cupcakes are pretty awesome.”

A muffled thump and a hiss of pain rang out. “Shut up, Marty. The baker is as good as dead. We just gotta find her.”

My prayers grew more fervent.

A loud crash rang out through the front of the store and all of the men except for one rushed out of the room. It was still too early for me to feel any real relief because the man still here held a staff and all I had were a bunch of gaudy scarves and a smart mouth. I stayed where I was, frozen like a statue hoping against all hope this one wouldn’t turn out to be the smart one.

What felt like an hour passed, though it couldn’t have been more than a minute. I knew he was close to me. I could hear the sound of his breathing.

“Jake!” A shout rang out from the other room and all I could do was hope the person standing here about to expose me was named Jake.

The man sighed and I heard him spin on his heel.

“Coming!”

The door banged shut behind him. I slumped down to the wall and tried to get my shakes under control. I had to get out of here. Immediately.

I scrambled to my feet and started looking around the room for an exit. Anywhere. Anything. If I had to climb into the trash can and wait for the trucks to run, I would. The sound of commotion from the other room led a frantic melody to my searching. Under my breath I was chanting, “Let there be a door. A door. Anywhere. A door.”

The room was so dark I could barely see my fingers in front of my face, but finally I hit something cold and round.

A door knob.

“Thank you. Oh my God thank you.” I twisted the knob only for it to give a loud, hideous screech. I froze and then thought screw it, pushing open the door and rushing into the cool night.

I hauled butt down the street, the soles of my shoes slapping against the pavement. Less than thirty seconds after I burst out of the room, I heard the door slam against the side of the store and out rushed several men in cloaks.

“Crap,” I breathed and picked up the pace. I sped around a corner into a crowded area and found the holy grail.

A taxi cab.

I shoved a poor woman out of the way, muttered a breathless “sorry,” and shoved money at the startled driver.

“Go, go, go, GO!”

To his credit, he didn’t ask a single question, just accelerated into the night.

I sank down into the leather seat and let out a slow and shaky breath.

That had been way too close.

The driver glanced in his rearview and met my gaze.

“Rough night?”

I shut my eyes and let out a broken laugh. “You have no idea.”

“You’d be surprised,” he said cryptically.

I didn’t even want to know.

The cabbie didn’t elaborate and I didn’t ask. I rattled off the address to my apartment and the rest of the drive went by in silence.

I wasn’t sure what Sam was mixed up in. What I did know was that the Brotherhood was dangerous and I didn’t want any part of them. But then again, I didn’t want Sam to be in danger. Or his sister. But I wasn’t sure what I could do about it. It was a mistake to get involved with him. Though...was I really involved with him? It certainly didn’t feel like it. Not romantically, at least.

Then there was Niko and the massive secret I was keeping from him. Sam’s identity would blow the PLE’s case wide open. I knew this and yet I hesitated to tell Niko because something felt...off. Like those two knew each other or knew something important that I didn’t. Maybe Niko even knew about Sam’s identity. It was a puzzle, and I really hated puzzles.

Unfortunately for Sam and Niko though, I happened to be very good at them.

Chapter Five

The next morning I breezed into the bakery having slept surprisingly well in spite of my shenanigans the night prior. The specials board was already outside telling me Jenna was already up and at ‘em. I had to smile when I saw the special today.

Snitches’ Stitches

Jenna’s drawing showed what appeared to be a chocolate cupcake with a cleverly formed fondant chalk outline body complete with numerous stitch marks. Over the body was crime scene tape made out of possible modeling chocolate and pools of blood. If I had to guess, I’d say cherry jam.

I unlocked the door and entered the story being sure to close up behind me. The last thing we needed was early guests who wanted to be fed before we were ready. Jenna greeted me with a wave. She was already covered in flour and had jam smeared on her apron.

I hooked a thumb back to the sign. “So,” I drawled. “From the special today I’d say you have strong feelings about snitches.”

A wide grin stretched her pretty face. “Nah,” she waved a hand. “I just know other people do.”

I was still afraid of her offending someone important, but I did have to admit her creative and out of the box specials were major hits with the customers. She managed to both amuse them and delight with her complicated yet extraordinary flavors. Plus she was no slouch in the design department. For not the first or even second time I wondered how she managed to decorate so many cupcakes in so little time. I was trying to refrain from asking because I just wasn’t sure how I would feel if I found out she was using magic.

I pulled an apron over my head and gathered up all of the ingredients to make the fillings for ham and Gruyere croissants. I had quite a bit of leftover croissant dough from a couple of days ago, so I planned to use that with a savory filling this time. Most of our offerings were sweet, but there were some customers who came in solely for our savory selections. I never wanted to let those people down so I tried to make sure I didn’t offer the same thing every single day.

I mixed a few pounds of cream cheese with an herb mixture I created several weeks ago of rosemary, sage, thyme, garlic powder and smoked paprika. I shook the spice container over the cheese until a heavy dose of the herbs coated it. Then I added in some caramelized onions I took from the fridge and a handful of toasted pine nuts. Last came the shredded, smoked gruyere. It was an odd combination of flavors, but I’d made this for myself some time ago and could not get enough of it. Let’s hope my customers agreed.

I flipped on the mixer and grabbed the croissant dough. Working carefully, I cut over a hundred pieces of dough and steadily added Black Forest ham with a healthy dollop of the cheese mixture. I folded the dough into the familiar shape, pulling the sides together, and popped it onto a parchment covered pan. I basted fresh garlic butter on top once I was finished and popped all of the trays into the oven.

When I closed the oven door and turned back around, I noticed Jenna staring at me, wide-eyed. “That was incredible,” she breathed.

I blinked. “What was?”

She frowned. “You just -” Her lips twisted. “You didn’t even look like you were thinking about that at all. You just went for it.”

“I -” Well...I guess I had. I wiped my hands on my apron. “When I was little I used to watch my mother and father in the kitchen together. My father was English and my mother from a small village in Italy. They both came here when they were children, though both of them hung on to their accents. It made for interesting conversation with strangers.”

Jenna looked enraptured so I kept going.

“The thing about my father was that he was meticulous...methodical. Everything was thought out, weighed and measured twice for accuracy, then one more time just in case the wind blew wrong. His desserts and food were...pristine. Cultured. But my mother…” My heart seized thinking about her. “My mother had the soul of someone born in the kitchen. She tossed and sprinkled and coated with wild abandon. It was so free spirited and some of the things she put together you thought would never in a million years work. But...they always did and when I thought of my mother and the intuitiveness she had in the kitchen, I always knew I wanted to be like her.” A sad smile crossed my face. “But you can’t work at being intuitive. It just happens.” I pointed to the ovens. “Sometimes I can do that and I feel like it’s her working through me. But other times I feel just like my father where my technical know-how overrules my creativity. Which is why I’m so grateful for you. Because when you’re here I feel constantly inspired.”

Jenna’s eyes were watering. Her mouth fell open and she blinked. “That -”

I held a hand up. “Do not get me weepy, Jenna. We have to open in twenty minutes.”

She blew out a breath. “Thank you, Piper.”

I hid my wobbly smile from her and headed to the front to unlock the doors.

It was lunch time before Jenna and I could take a breather. I pulled off my apron and leaned against the counter with a groan. My feet hurt. My back hurt. Even my hands hurt. Jenna brushed an errant strand of hair out of her face and did the same. “I think business is picking up,” she said.

I glanced at the almost full dining room. “Maybe. I’ll have to do the books this week. I guess I haven’t really noticed.”

Jenna blinked. “You haven’t noticed that it’s quite possible you’re rolling in dough?”

I snorted with amusement. “I don’t think rolling is the right word. Maybe enough to buy some clothes and finish fixing up my apartment.”

“And then some,” she muttered. As her gaze went to the front door, she straightened. The bell jingled, catching my attention.

Stern and Niko had just walked in. I wanted to yell at them to get out, but it would just prolong it. Instead I wiped my hands on the towel I was holding and pasted a smile on.

“Agents. Hello.”

One of Stern’s eyebrows went up. “That didn’t even sound sarcastic,” she said in her gravelly voice.

“I’ve been working on my manners,” I said in a tight voice.

A smile quirked the side of Niko’s mouth. “Have you now? Color me surprised.”

I tamped down my annoyance. “What can I get you today?”

Stern stepped up first. “I’ll have a couple of those croissants.”

Niko peered over her shoulder. “Ham and cheese? I’ll take two as well.”

I nodded to Jenna who started plating their food. “Gruyere actually.” Because I wasn’t of the opinion that gruyere was simply just cheese. “Together or separate?”

Stern grunted and Niko rolled his eyes. “Separate, I guess. Stern is feeling stingy.”

I held my smile back and rang them up separately, throwing their coffees in on the house.

Once they paid and stepped away from the register, my internal alarm bells went off. I leaned over to Jenna. “They haven’t asked a single question. Don’t you think that’s weird?”

Jenna chuckled under her breath. “I’m not sure it’s weird. I’m kind of leaning toward you being paranoid, though.”

I studied them through lowered lashes. “They never come in here unless they need something. What are they hiding?”

Jenna put a hand on my arm. “I’m not sure they’re hiding anything, but I’m wondering if you are. Did something happen yesterday?”

I slapped a palm to my forehead. I’d been so into the baking zone I hadn’t even thought of telling her about my run in yesterday. I looked out toward the front and saw no customers heading in so I quickly ran down the events once I’d gone into the shop and my harried escape into the taxi.

By the time I was finished, Jenna was white. “The Brotherhood was looking for you?” she whispered. “Piper. That’s…”

“Insane. Stupid. All of the above, I know.” I rubbed a hand across my forehead and stole a glance at Niko and Stern, both still sitting there oblivious. “I think when Sam stepped into help me with Louis, the Brotherhood became suspicious of his loyalties and how I fit into them.”

Jenna blinked rapidly. I could see the dismay moving across her delicate features as she tried to form her words into thoughts.

“Bad,” she muttered. “This is very bad.”

“I can come up with a lot better word than bad,” I hissed. “Why don’t you sweep the floor and see if you can overhear anything that Niko and Stern are saying?”

One of her eyebrows rose. “You want me to go spy on my former employers?”

I batted my big blue eyes at her. “Only if you want to.”

She snorted. “Of course I want to. I can’t believe it’s taken you this long to even ask.” She grabbed the broom and dustpan and started at the opposite end of the store first, sweeping under each table, working methodically over to where the two agents were sitting. If anyone would be able to pick up anything, it would be her. When she made it close enough to be able to pick up snippets of conversation, she reached at her waist for the spray bottle she religiously kept there and started to spray and wipe down the tables, allowing her to linger even longer.

I watched when I could but I didn’t want them to feel me staring, stifling a grin as soon as I noticed Stern getting suspicious. Her massive back straightened and her gaze narrowed at my assistant. She abruptly stopped talking. Niko’s look went from one of concentration to confusion as he noticed Stern’s change in manner.

Amusement crossed his face as he called out to Jenna. My assistant slapped on a look of curious innocence as she headed to their table. Oh she was good. Really good. Thus the reason the PLE had kept her on as Intel for so long. Something he said made her laugh, but Stern’s expression grew even stormier.

Noticing this, Jenna made her excuses, quickly finishing the sweeping and headed back over behind the register.

“Later,” she murmured when I stared at her expectantly.

It was maybe twenty minutes later when they finished their meals and headed out of the store. Niko, of course, left his plate for me to clean up. I wasn’t sure if he did it to be annoying or he was never properly taught to clean up after himself. Whichever it was, it always managed to irk me a little more than it probably should. And then I wondered what his home must look like.

I gathered up their dishes, noticing with pride that there wasn’t a speck of crumb left on their plates, and wiped down their tables. Discarding their dishes in the back, I threw my apron back on and got ready for the next rush to come in. Less than twenty minutes later, Jenna and I were totally swamped again.

Fortunately by the end of the day, there was no more drama, simply people popping in for something delicious to eat. Five minutes to closing time the last person in the shop had put their plate up and waved goodbye. I rushed over to the door, flipped the sign to closed, and locked it before anyone else could get in. It was my shop I could close a little early if I wanted to. Plus, I was dying to know what Jenna found out from her earlier shenanigans.

As soon as the lock clicked, I pulled my apron off and slid into one of the booths. It had been ages since I’d sat down and I hadn’t had anything to eat since early that morning.

I looked over at my assistant. “I think I might need to hire a couple of people.”

Jenna stopped what she was doing and stared at me. “Really?”

I shrugged. “Neither one of us got a lunch break. I’m going to have to work the weekend to get the books balanced. I suspect you don’t sleep.”

A smile exposed one of her dimples. “I’m not exactly human. I don’t have to sleep as much as you do.”

I rubbed a tired hand over my face. “I still don’t get this place. How do I get tired if I’m dead?”

Jenna slid into the seat across from me. “You know you aren’t technically dead.”

I gave her a gimlet stare. “There’s a body in my casket. It looks just like me. How am I even sitting here right now?”

Jenna blinked and closed and opened both her hands. “It’s magic,” she said in an awed whisper.

I rolled my eyes. “It’s annoying is what it is.” I looked over at the display case and noticed I still had some croissants left. “Hungry?” I asked her.

“Famished,” she said, but she stood up before I could and headed over to the case.

“Thank you!” I called.

She hurriedly loaded up the food, brought extra plates and silverware, and set it in front of me. Then she headed back and made two cappuccinos.

“Best. Hire. Ever,” I said to her as I took the first sip of the hot, foamy drink.

“Don’t forget it.”

We said nothing for a few minutes as we ate. When I’d started in on the second croissant, I looked at her. “So tell me what you overheard.”

Jenna slowly cut a piece of ham. “Stern was on to me. As you saw.” She waved the hand holding the knife around. “Buuuut, I managed to get some good snippets before she realized what I was doing. The Brotherhood appears to be targeting psychics.”

My hand froze, my fork in mid-air. “Psychics? Why in the world would they be targeting them?”

Jenna shrugged. “Could be a lot of reasons. One of them has already fallen prey, but I overhead Niko saying the PLE doesn’t have the manpower to send protection to all the psychics in this place. There’s a ton of them.”

My thoughts spun with the possibilities and a familiar face made itself known. “Crap,” I whispered and dropped my fork. “Dolores.”

“Did we miss Dolores this morning?” I asked Jenna as I bounded out of the seat and over behind the counter to grab my purse.

Jenna’s brow furrowed. “I - I don’t think she came in.”

That made me growl with frustration. Dolores rarely missed a day and if the Brotherhood was targeting psychics, she probably had a huge target on her back.

“Can you lock up?” I shouted as I headed out the store. I didn’t wait to hear her answer before I’d rushed out to the street to flag down a cab.

Before I was all the way in the car, I rattled off the address to the Seeing Eyeballs shop. The driver accelerated forward with a lurch, smooshing my face into the back of the front passenger seat headrest, but I didn’t care. I righted myself, put a seatbelt on (sniggering the entire time about the possibility of dying again in a car accident) and held on for dear life as the cabbie rushed around corners and blew through the red lights. Either this particular driver sensed my urgency or he’s just a speed demon. Regardless, we reached Dolores’ shop in record time. I shoved some bills at the cabbie and stepped out onto the curb.

The cab screeched away, probably to take on some other poor, unsuspecting resident of Purgatory. I couldn’t complain though. Anyone else and we’d only be halfway there by now. I rubbed my hands together in nervousness and pushed open the door.

“Hello?” I called in only to gasp as I saw her shop in ruins. Glass bottles, trinkets and decor lay shattered all over the floor. Bookshelves lay haphazardly scattered, their contents in ruin. There’s a strange smell in the air. Almost...coppery. I slowly turned around taking everything in, only to gasp when the sight of a pair of shoes sticking out from underneath one of the shelves caught my eye.

I muttered a curse and rushed over only to find the shelf impossible to move. I quickly switched positions and tried from the top. The shelf groaned but moved enough for me to expose the victim’s face and head. I’d never seen her before, but from the blood seeping from her mouth and the waxy color of her skin, I knew it was too late. I reached over to take her pulse just as a precaution, but I already knew before I touched her.

She was gone.

Chapter 6

“Dolores!” I called as I scrambled to my feet. I made sure to pause at each and every shelf, my heart pounding with dread. “Dolores!”

Still no answer. I fumbled through my purse for my cell phone and dialed Niko directly. He answered on the second ring.

“Piper?” he asked, concern in his voice. “Everything okay?”

I started babbling everything out, knowing I was sounding like a crazy person but unable to stop myself.

“Whoah. Whoah. Okay. We will be right there.” He paused. “Do. Not. Leave.” Niko clicked off the line, and I once again shout for Dolores.

I found her several minutes later hidden in a wardrobe at the back of the store. I clicked open the door only to find the old woman glaring at me. She let me help her out, but jerked away as soon as her feet touched the ground.

“Danged men and their stupid destructive habits,” she grumbled. “Took me twenty years to get this shop the way I wanted it and took them less than five minutes to destroy it.”

I listened to her but kept my attention on her physical form to make sure she wasn’t wounded. All I could see were some scratches on her arms and a small knot on her head. However she looked extremely angry. I guess if I had walked into my store and saw everything destroyed I'd be pretty angry too. Dolores, I'm sorry. I got here too late.

Dolores stared at me. I can't even believe you're here, she said. How in the world did you know to check up on me?

I shifted uncomfortably. I had my assistant do some eavesdropping, I admitted guiltily. She overheard from the ple agents that psychics were being targeted. As soon as I heard I rushed over here. my gauge drifted over to the body lying in the other room. I'm really sorry about what happened, I said.

Pain crossed Dolores’ face.  “There was nothing I could do,” she admitted. “As soon as I heard the commotion, I ran out to check on her only to see that I was already too late. When I realized it I did the only thing I could, I hid.” She rubbed a shaking hand across her face and  shook her head. “She was the best employee I had,” she admitted. “And she was one of the best psychics I’d ever worked with.”

I reached over and touched her arm at a loss for anything to say to wear. As soon as I touched her, her hand reached out and covered mine. She sucked in a harsh breath, and her eyes  begin to flicker. She shut them and pressed her lips together before she spoke. Deception is it play, she whispered. As she spoke, fear began to grip me. I tried to get away, but her group was too tight in my fear was too real. Even though her words were whispered, I couldn't get away from the feeling that I had. Dolores was speaking the truth. once she stopped whispering, Visions appeared inside of my brain.  it was an odd feeling and I knew that the pictures I was seeing in my head were not my own. I could see my face, I could see the real fear in my eyes, and then I could see Niko pointing a gun at me. his face was creased with anger and his eyes were full of Rage. And I could do nothing. I couldn't get away from Dolores. I couldn't stop the images from appearing in my head. And even worse, I couldn't stop myself from feeling that this was all too real and that this would happen soon.

Moments later, Dolores relinquished my arm. she took a deep breath, and rubbed her hands down her sides.  so sorry dear, she said. I can't quite help when the Visions grip me.

I stared at her and her. I always thought Dolores was a sweet woman, although she did appear to be pretty feisty. However, I had no idea that she was such a powerful psychic. I wanted to get away from her. I wanted to run out of this store, and pretend I had never heard of the Brotherhood, psychics, or even purgatory. I wanted to be back in my own cupcake shop, back on Earth, and I wanted everything to be the same as it was before. this new life I had was overwhelming and if I had to be honest with myself a little bit scary.

I gave Dolores of wobbly smile. No worries, I said. Even though I was really worried. What we need to do I think is get you out of here. You can come to my shop and stay there if you want to. gin and might even have a place for you to go.

Dolores scoffed. I'm an old woman, she said. There's no way I'm going to hide away from this. If they want me, they can come.

I started to speak again but was interrupted by the sound of the  front door being slammed open. Ple agents begin to stream into the room. I held a hand up to Dolores and carefully begin to step over books and broken shelving as I made my way over to Nico.

Niko looked handsome as always. He wore a suit perfectly tailored to his lean physique. There wasn't a hair out of place. His dark eyes took in the room, carefully taking an every detail. When his gaze finally fell on the body on the floor, a deep frown settled in on his hands and features. With 1 Deft motion, he removed the notebook he always carried in his front pocket, flipped it open, and remove the pen from his other pocket.  then, of course, he saw me. Niko frowned, wrote something down in his notebook, and then met my case.

Piper, glad to see you didn't leave the scene.

My lips twisted in annoyance.  You told me not to, I said sweetly. Who am I to disobey an agent of the ple?

Nico rolled his eyes in annoyance.  yes, he said, who are you to disobey someone like me? But the tone was so sarcastic all I could do was smile. We both knew I had no problems to surveying anyone in purgatory law enforcement. I have a lot of practice, especially after the last crazy incident with Louis and the Brotherhood.  I made my way through the rubble of Dolores to shop until I was standing about a foot away from Nico. Dolores had followed behind me. When she saw Niko, instead of being relieved a thunderous frown broke out on her forehead.

You knew that psychics are being targeted and you had no protection on my shop? She demanded.

One of Niko's eyebrows rose and his gaze slowly traveled over to me.  I shifted uncomfortably my lips pressed together and  my thoughts wandered wildly as I try to figure out how to get out of this one.

But instead of being angry, Niko chuckled.  I knew Jenna was spying on me, he said. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised. We trained her after all didn't we?

She wasn't eavesdropping, I said. She was just cleaning the tables. but I couldn't keep the smile off my face and before I knew it Nico and I were both grinning like mad at each other.

Dolores huffed.  If you two lunatics are done mooning at each other could we possibly get to what heck happened here?

The smile fell off of Niko's face as his  attention went back to Dolores. We are unable to give the details of an open investigation Dolores. You know this.

Dolores sniffed. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that something is rotten in Denmark. Pi / here wants me to come back to the shop with her and hide. Before Dolores could speak again Nico interrupted her. I don't think that's a bad idea actually he said.  if you're aware the Brotherhood is after you why in the world would you want to stay in a place where they knew exactly where you were he asked.

Dolores glared at him. you might be in law enforcement she said but you don't seem to be all that smart. I'm an 87 year old woman and I've had this business for over 50 years. You don't run away from your problems, son,  you take care of them. I'm a psychic she said and a darn good one. I saw this coming but I had no idea that one of my employees would die. That's the problem with visions. You never know what you're going to get. And you never know how to interpret something until it's already happening.

Nico sighed.  Then don't you think that's the reason you should take Piper up on her offer he asked gently. we don't have the resources to put security and all the psychics in purgatory he said. it would take too much of our Manpower. I think you should go with Pi / and I think you should do your best work behind the scenes. If we lose you, Delores, we lose a huge asset to both purgatory and the ple. I know you think I'm young and inexperienced, he said, but I can tell you I've seen cases like this before. if you're out in the open and there's no one to protect you the odds of you getting hurt are extremely high.

I shifted uncomfortably. I didn't want to be involved in this conversation nor did I want to be responsible for making Dolores do something she didn't want to do. But I was concerned for her safety and I did want to do something to help. The body on the floor was Motionless, but I felt haunted by it. I felt like if I couldn't do this one thing for Dolores, that I couldn't do anything. I hesitantly reached out and touched her shoulder. I'll be back at the bakery if you change your mind I said. Taniko I asked, is there anything else you need from me? Niko clicked his pen a couple of times.  Yes, he said, I do have a few questions.

10 minutes later I was back in the cab heading back to the bakery. A pounding headache roared through my temples as the events of the last couple hours kept playing through my mind. In the last couple of months I'd already stumbled onto dead bodies. What did that say about me? I felt like Typhoid Mary except I wasn't spreading the plague I felt like I was spreading murder.

When the cab stopped I quickly paid and stepped out relieved to be back in a place I was familiar with. Before I could reach to unlock the door it opened and Jenna poked her head out. oh my gosh Piper, she said, I was so worried about you. I heard the call come in over the radio and I thought about shutting everything down and rushing over there but I didn't want to get in the way. Her gaze looked me up and down.  Are you okay? Are you hurt? She reached out and brushed a strand of hair from my face. Concern filled her gaze.

I'm fine, Jenna, I said. The whole thing was just so terrifying. I had no idea what I was going to find when I walked in there. And then, I clasped my hands together because they were shaking,  when I found that woman lying on the floor…  I swallowed hard. There was nothing I could do to save her. I was too late.

Jenna open the door wider and pulled me gently inside. Without saying a word, she led me over to one of the booths. She stepped away only to walk up to the big copy machine and begin making me a cappuccino. I smiled gratefully at her and I leaned against the booth and shut my eyes. It was something comforting about someone you cared about making you a drink. Especially coffee. Jenna and I had a rough patch  some time ago because the p Ali had hired her to spy on me. Fortunately for me, Jenna’s conscience got the best of her and we ended up being really good friends. Of course, it helped that she stopped spying on me.

A few minutes later Jenna carefully slid over a hot cappuccino for me and then rush back to grab the other one she made for herself. Finally we were both sitting at the booth staring across at each other.

How do I get myself into these situations, I asked her.

A gentle smile crossed her face. I think you have a genuine desire to help, she said. There isn't anything wrong with that, she added. But this is purgatory.  it's different from Earth. We settle our differences in ways that humans can always understand. And sometimes those ways are violent.

I stared at her in disbelief. are you saying that the Brotherhood is trying to settle a difference? Because the way I feel about them is that they're a criminal organization bent on destroying purgatory.

Jenna waved a hand and shook her head. No, that's not what I'm saying at all she said with a laugh. I'm just saying that maybe our ways are sometimes difficult to understand. We have all manners of creatures here, and the cultures are all different.

I sat back, my hands cupped around my warm cappuccino. I guess I don't understand what you're trying to tell me, I admitted. The way I see it is a murder was committed and that murderer needs to be brought to Justice. I thought the ple worked in the same way.

Jenna nodded. It does for all intents and purposes,  she said. But the PLE is not prone to giving information out to anyone. They’re a secretive organisation and they prefer to work in the shadows. You being here is a real monkey wrench in their plans. On one hand you appear to be an asset. On the other you keep stumbling into dead bodies and conspiracy theories. It's making them look bad. You ended up solving their case a few months ago. That didn't exactly endear you to stern.

I snorted. I don't know the name anything or anyone is endearing to stern I said with a laugh.

Jenna chuckled to but then sobered.  Stern is a tough woman to read she admitted. But I do know that underneath all that Bluster and behind that massive exterior is a woman who deeply cares.

I suspected as much. Anyone working in law enforcement had to Care on some kind of level. In fact I've seen instances where Stern showed how big her heart is. However I knew she didn't like me, and I didn't know that there was much I could do to change it. I Shrugged. I know, Jenna, I said. As much as I want to step right out of it I don't know that I can. Sam is involved, and so is his sister. They're concerned about each other. If I stepped out now I would feel like I failed him.

Sympathy flickered in Jenna’s eyes. I get that she said. But I urge you to be careful she said. You know how dangerous the Brotherhood is, she said. You barely escaped it last time.

That's what I’m  afraid of, I admitted.

It was unlikely that I'd get that lucky next time.

Chapter 7

A familiar figure was waiting outside the shop for me early the next morning. I couldn't help but feel that same shiver run down my spine. It wasn't fear, nor was it apprehension. It was a feeling you that when you knew someone you liked had shown up just for you. A smile beginning across my face but as I step closer to Sam, I realize that he wasn't smiling at all. My expression sobered, and I greeted him with a subdued good morning. He nodded, gave me a stiff smile, and waited as I unlock the door.

As I stepped inside, I inhaled the fresh baked goodness that was my bakery. The smile I held back from Sam lit up my face. there were few things better than the smell of freshly baked goods. I held open the door for Sam to walk in and as he brushed against me all I could smell was the cinnamon male smell of him. I hate to admit it but Sam smells like home. I locked the door behind us shaking my head at my strange thoughts. Sam had never really expressed interest in me. Maybe in the beginning, but after the incident with the Brotherhood and my discovery of his identity we gone into this strange sort of Dance. and the dance was slowly starting to not be that fun anymore.

I shrug it off my coat and hung it up on the hook close to the door. Sam did the same and as he wandered over to sit in a booth I asked him if he'd like a ham and cheese croissant. I'd save them from the night before planning to run a special on them today. He shook his head, and I couldn't help but raise one eyebrow. Sam was never not hungry so I knew something was up. I Shrugged, made my way over to the coffee machine and poured myself a cup of cappuccino. I held my mug up indicating if he wanted one and he gave me a short nod. Add memorize Sam's coffee order a long time ago and I pulled them a cappuccino. I didn't bother to put any sugar on a saucer because I knew he wouldn't use it. one thing about Sam was that he had a much more manly drink the Niko did. I chuckled to myself as I finished up his coffee, placed it on a saucer and took it to him. He sighed in relief for the first sip. I did the same as soon as the caffeine hit my system.

You seem... Off today, I said.

Sam said nothing for a moment, instead staring down into his mug.

I change tactics. So the weather around here, I said, it never changes much. I know we had a discussion about this earlier but I didn't really believe you. I took another sip of my drink. How am I supposed to get a suntan around here?

A smile tilted the corner of Sam's mouth. If you haven't noticed, he said with a chuckle no one around here has a suntan.

Must be all the vampires, I mumbled.

Sam laughed out loud this time, his shoulders visibly relaxing. Piper, I'm sorry. I've dragged you into my troubles once again and I don't know if there's a way to extract you. I heard about what happened add Delores to shop. I'm sorry you had to see that, and I'm sorry I was the one who dragged you down into it.

I forced a smile. Nobody told me to go into the shop, I said with a chuckle. I just can't help but think that I might be Typhoid Mary around here.

Sam smiled. I don't think anyone thinks you're Typhoid Mary he said with the laugh. But it might be hard for you to have friends with all the bodies you're stumbling across.

I let out a surprised laugh.  true. Jenna is my only real true friend I said.

Something flickered across Sam's expression. you don't consider me a friend, he asked softly.  the atmosphere in the shop change then. it went from relaxing 2 charged and crackling. I wasn't sure how to respond to this. Was he asking me as a friend or was he asking me of something  more. I took a another sip of my cappuccino and pondered his question for a second before responding.

Sam, I said with a sigh, I'm not really sure what we are. do I want to be your friend? of course, I said. But I wonder if I can be your friend with what I know about you. Or would you even want me to be your friend? For the same reasons. I know too much about you, and I feel sometimes...unsafe.

The fingers around Sam's coffee mug clenched and whitened. I saw the change come over his face even before he spoke. I just said the wrong thing. I sighed. That came out wrong, I said. Of course I want to be your friend. I just have concerns.

Sam set down his mug. No, you're right. It is dangerous to be my friend. he abruptly changed the subject. Did you see my sister?

I nodded.  I did. She's concerned about you. She thinks the Brotherhood is questioning your loyalty. We didn't get too much time to talk before the Brotherhood burst into the shop we were at.

His eyes widened at that.  Did she Escape?

My mouth Twisted into a frown. Don't you think I would have led with that if something happened to her?

Sam blinked.  He ran a hand over his face. Of course you would have. I'm sorry Piper.

I reached over and took hold of his hand, knowing I was stepping over a line.  She's fine, I said. In fact, she was able to get out before I was.

Sam's fingers intertwined with my own, the warmth of his hand comforting. He squeezed my fingers  And I could tell he was about to apologize again. I shook my head. Stop, it isn't your fault. She's the one who left a note in my tip jar. She's the one who dragged me into this.

Sam shook his head. But I'm the one who came here and asked.

I studied his expression for a while Before I broached the next subject. Do you know why the Brotherhood is after psychics I asked.

Sam's expression Went slack was surprised. He didn't know. And being the master of the Brotherhood and not knowing something as major as an operation they were involved in told me he was losing his grip on the leadership of the Brotherhood. This was bad 10 Ways to Sunday.

Sam, I inquired.

He blinked several times and picked up his mug. he down the rest of his cappuccino and stared for a moment, his expression carefully blank.

How did your sister know about me and Luis?  I asked. I’d been wondering about this the moment she brought it up. Sam had said he hadn't seen his sister in years so how could she have possibly known what had happened and the details of it?

Sam's honey-colored gaze met mine. There's a lot about elves you don't know, he said with a smile. And I'm not allowed to elaborate on it. He gave me an enigmatic smile. I can tell you that we all have our own unique gifts. Trin is a unique case.  she was gifted with more magic than most of us possess.

So she has Visions? I inquired.

Sam just smiled at me. Thank you for the cappuccino, he said. Before I could react or say anything, he reached across the table and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.  but instead of pulling away, his hand lingered. my heart began to pound of staccato rhythm. We were alone in the shop. Jenna hadn't shown up yet, which was probably a good thing because I didn't think I could bear any teasing from her about Sam anymore. He and I were in a tentative... Something. I could feel it, and I knew he could feel it too, the right now we were both tied up in something way more important and way more dangerous than worrying about the two of us. I would like a deer in headlights. I couldn't move, but I cherished the feel of his hand on my cheek.

Sam, I whispered.

He placed a finger over my lips and stood from the booth. I'll be in touch, he said. thank you, Piper.

The words were frozen in my throat.  All I could do with nod.

I  I stood and walked in Back to the door unlocking it for him. I watched him walk away, Unable to help myself from wondering if we were stepping into territory we couldn't step out of. This felt like a dangerous Uncharted piece of territory. On one hand, I thought Sam was a generous, decent person. But on the other hand, I knew he was a dangerous elf with powers I didn't quite understand, and he led a dangerous criminal organization. I couldn't quite relegate that last description of Sam to the man I knew, but I had seen it with my own eyes and I knew it was true. Even though I felt like I was playing a dangerous game, I felt like Sam was drowning in this game, and there was nothing I could do to help him.

I leaned against the door after I had locked it behind him, my head resting against the cool glass. I feel like my life was getting out of control. All I wanted to do is bake cupcakes. I didn't want to be involved in murder, magic, or the Mayhem that seemed to come along with living in purgatory. With a sigh I straightened and I headed to the back, grabbing an apron from the hook by the front register. As much as Sam's visit had rattled me, I knew I needed to get to work.

The bell over the front door jangled, telling me that Jenna had finally arrived. I measured out a scoop of flour carefully, and added it to the mixture I had going in the mixer. It was a recipe I'd never quite been able to duplicate: my grandmother's pumpkin cream cheese cupcakes. For some reason she had this deliciously moist cake and the cream cheese filling was smooth and silky. I'd been able to duplicate the moistness of the pumpkin cake, but the cream cheese filling always came out gummy. I never could quite figure out what I was doing wrong. But I kept on trying to get it right and I was hoping that this morning I would nail it.

Jenna breezed into the back, already wearing her apron. Hey Piper, she said as she  walked past me on our way to the refrigerator. The sign announcing the daily specials hadn't been done yet so I was wondering what special surprise Jenna had a purse leave for this morning. I pretended I wasn't staring at her as I tried to pay attention to what I was doing and also pay attention to what she was pulling out on the large silver tray she was holding. But I couldn't keep my excitement Bay. What's the special for today? I asked her.

A small smile appeared on her face and her dimple picked out at me. I thought in honor of all the stuff going on, she said, I'd pay homage to the psychics in purgatory.

I blamed a couple of times, trying to figure out how to say what I wanted to say to her nicely. Umm, I said, do you think that's a good idea?

Jenna snorted. Is it ever a good idea she asked me.

I let my shoulders rise and fall in a shrug. Probably not, I admitted. I laughed Softly. I don't even know why I ask you. It's always great, and it's always popular so I should just leave you to it.

Jenna grinned at me. I like that plan, she said. Let's go with that!

I snickered, shook my head, and turned my attention back to my pumpkin cupcakes. Jenna came up behind me and peered over my shoulder. Ooh, what's that? she asked.

My grandmother's pumpkin cupcake recipe. I'm still trying to get it perfect. I motioned my head over to the slip of laminated paper next to the mixing bowl.

Jenna picked it up and studied it. After a moment she peeked into the mixer, then grabbed up plastic spoon from one of the various containers  littering the metal counter, and scooped out a tiny bit of the cream cheese filling. First, she sniffed it, then tasted it.

I watched as she investigated, wondering what she was going to come up with. Jenna set the spoon down, then picked up the recipe again. I think there's a misprint here, she announced. if I had to guess, I think you are missing an egg in the cream cheese filling.

My brow furrowed. I didn't really use cream cheese fillings in many of my recipes.  the ones I did use it in where unbaked so I never used any eggs in them. Cream cheese wasn't really my favorite, but there was something so delicious about my grandmother's cupcakes that I wanted to try and duplicate. My mother had given me this recipe, and I cherished it because it was written in my grandmother spidery handwriting.  I had it laminated in order to preserve it, never in a million years guessing something had been written down wrong. I chuckled to myself, then patted Jenna on the back.

I've been a baker for years, Jenna, I said. Never once did I think to put an egg in this. I think you might have saved this recipe. I rushed over to the refrigerator and grabbed a carton of eggs. based upon the amount of cream cheese I had in the mixer I needed to double the amount of eggs, so I put four eggs in and turn the mixer back on to low.  the cream cheese had already been silky smooth but once I put the eggs in it turned into this beautiful golden colored feeling. I scraped in a vanilla bean and let the mixture go for a minute or two. When it was finished, I scooped a tablespoon of feeling on top  on top of the cupcake mixture period when I had finished feeling the pants I went back and put the rest of the cupcake mixture on the top of the cream cheese filling.

Satisfied, and cautiously optimistic, I popped four of the pans in a preheated oven.  Jenna and I high-fived each other and got to work on the rest of the day's offerings. When I finish with the pumpkin cupcakes, I peeked over at her pans and ended up laughing out loud.

Jenna grinned at me.  I called them psychic psychosis, she said. Dark chocolate cupcakes were covered in googly eyeballs complete with purple and green spirals to make it look like the cupcake was under hypnosis. She completed the look with green and purple icing hair and a squiggly orange mouth. I peered at them closer.  Jenna nudged me with an elbow. Go ahead, she urged me. Take a bite.

I gave her a curious look, but picked up a cupcake anyway. I loosen the wrap around it and smelled it. If I had to guess it would be devil's food cake.

There's a surprise in there, Jenna said.

Do I want to know what it is, I asked.

Jenna sniggered. You never want to know she said with a laugh. But I promise I think it's awesome. I hope you did too.

Giving her a dubious stare I took the rest of the wrapper off and took a bite. A burst of orange immediately hit my tongue surprising me. The dark chocolate mixed with the orange giving it both a deep and bright flavor. Orange curd, I said in wonder. That's brilliant, Jenna, I said.

Thanks, she said,  her bright blue eyes twinkling. I love the combination of the chocolate in Orange and wanted to do something different.

Brilliant, I said again. Even though it looks like a hippie exploded all over it I said with a grin before I rushed out of the kitchen. Jenna squawked in outrage but I was too far gone for her to hit me with the kitchen towel she threw at me. I left her to the rest of the mornings prep while I went in the front and started wiping down the tables and making sure everything was swept before we opened. About half an hour later Jenna came out, carrying decorated pumpkin cupcakes and a tray of the daily specials. I stared at her expectantly.  so I drawled. How'd they come out?

A dimple picked out from Jenna's cheek I guess you‘re just going to have to taste them, she said.

I gave her a suspicious-looking snagged one of the cupcakes from the tray. The icing smelled delicious so I was glad I gave Jenna free reign to put whatever she wanted on it. She usually made really good decisions when it came to things like that.  A hint of cinnamon reached my nose right before I took an enormous bite of the cupcake[1], not knowing what to expect. the moistness of the cake was the first thing I experience, and I wasn't surprised. I had never had too  much trouble achieving that. But when the cream cheese feeling hit my tongue, I almost gasped in surprise. It was just like my grandmother had made it. Jenna had called it. It was the egg.

Jenna couldn't quite hold her smile back.  Right? She asked.  It was totally the egg!

A feeling of nostalgia washed over me. I'd lost my grandmother several years back and I missed her so much. Being able to taste her pumpkin cupcakes again felt like she was sitting right beside me. Tears welled in my eyes.

Jenna Gaston surprise. Piper, what's wrong?

I gave her a wobbly smile. Nothing is wrong, I said. Nothing at all. I'm just so happy I was able to finally get these cupcakes right. I'm going to have to make a note somewhere, I said. I laminated the recipe so there's no way for me to write on it.

Jenna Shrugged. Just use one of those fine point Sharpie markers she said. It should do the trick and it won't mess up the recipe because you can write right on the lamination.

I took another bite of a cupcake, the taste of cinnamon and cloves exploding in my mouth. Purgatory didn't have seasons, but that didn't mean people couldn't enjoy the taste of fall. I knew I was going to. I could feel already I was going to eat way too many of these.

Thank you, Jenna, I said. This was the best thing to happen to me in a week. Maybe longer.

Jenna gave me a shy smile. Hand over the keys, lady. We have to get the ball rolling here.

I tossed her my keys and she unlocked the door with the signed open.

You ready? She asked me.

I gave her a bright smile. Ready as I'll ever be. Let's see what  interesting things can happen today.

#

As it turned out, the day was finally uninteresting. I rarely had any of those in purgatory these days so to actually be able to relax and sell cupcakes meant the world to me. Jenna and I hustle and bustled for the better part of the day, only stopping to relax and take a breath when all of the customers had left the shop. When the day finally ended, Jenna and I high-fived each other and both sagged against the back of the counter. My feet and back were killing me, and I’d barely eaten anything all day. But one thing I didn't want to eat again was cupcakes.  for lunch I had snagged another pumpkin cupcake and inhaled it when I had walked into the kitchen for a quick water break. I was going to have to walk 5 miles to burn off all those cupcakes.

Jenna pulled her apron off and threw it onto the hook. You hungry? She asked.

Famished, I admitted also pulling off my apron. Have any ideas?

She shrugged. I know you've been wanting to explore Purgatory so I thought we could maybe go to a place I go to sometimes.

I'm surprised because she told me that she take me somewhere in purgatory, but it has been quite a while since then. I'd contented myself with quickly eating inside of  my apartment are grabbing something from the bakery. Or Jenna would come over with takeout food. I still hadn't properly explored purgatory like I wanted to.

Of course I said quickly before she had the chance to change her mind. Where do you want to go?

Jenna small smile told me she knew what I was doing, but she didn't say anything about it. There's a place called Midnight malice, she said. It's not too far from here. But, she said, looking at me up and down, you're going to have to go home and change into something a little more appropriate. she paused over the word appropriate and emphasized it like I currently looked like an insane person. but I didn't take any offense to it because after a long day of work at the bakery I probably did.

I can do that, I said. I hang my apron back up on the hook, grabbed my purse from under the counter, and waved at Jenna. What should I wear? I yelled as I rushed out of the building. Jenna chuckled under a breath but I heard it. “Give me 20 minutes and I'll be at your house,” she said. “I'll be the one to look through your closet. Don't put anything on, Piper.”

“What's that supposed to mean?” I asked, stopping in my tracks.

She waved me away. This is Purgatory, not an Earth nightclub. You have to dress the part.

“I'm not sure what that means, but now I'm nervous,” I said.

Jenna rolled her eyes. Get out of here.  I'll see you as soon as I get everything shut down.

#

As it turned out, there wasn't much in my closet to be proud of. I hadn't had the chance to go shopping ever since the debacle with Luis. Even though I've been meaning to, it just never worked out. So I idly flipped through the white shirts, the black shirts, the blue shirts, all of the solid  colored clothing I owned. It was depressing. My fingers briefly drifted over the dress that Jenna had bought me a few months ago whenever I needed to go into the piano bar. It was gorgeous, but I wasn't sure if it would be appropriate for tonight. It was really the only thing I had that would maybe be appropriate for the night ahead of us. I had some tennis shoes some slip on shoes and one pair of high heels. I needed to stop delaying and get myself to the store. From what I could tell there was plenty of shopping around here, I just wasn't sure if it would be in my style.

Thirty minutes after I got home, the doorbell rang. I didn't bother to answer it because I knew Jen it would let herself in. Sure enough, a few seconds later I hear her shouting from the entryway. I hope you're not wearing white tennis shoes, she shouted. Otherwise I'm leaving you here!

Curses, I shouted. Foiled again! I dropped the white tennis shoes I was holding. Jenna poked her head inside of the room, saw me with a pile of clothes on the bed and frowned. You know, she said, as I was driving here I thought about the last time I looked in your closet, so I made a beeline into a department store close by.

I gave her a sheepish smile. Sorry, I said, I haven't had much time to go shopping.

Jenna sugar had. I remember I promised you I'd take you, so I'm as much to blame. From behind her back, she produced a large brown paper bag with handles. The label on it said Skinny's, which didn't give me much hope for what was held inside. One thing you couldn't call this Italian Baker was skinny.

At my dubious stare, Jenna chuckled. Don't worry, she said, it's just the name. It carries all kinds of different shapes and sizes.

Let's hope so, I said. I peeked in the bag. Let's see what you got.

Jenna unceremoniously dumped all of the clothing onto my bed. I gassed and surprised not realizing she had bought so much.

Oh my goodness, I could. Look at all this stuff.

Don't get too carried away, she said. Some of this has to go back, unless you want to write me a big fat check.

I mentally calculated my bank balance. I could keep some of it if I liked it, but probably not all of it. I picked up an ivory white long sleeve blouse. The material felt silky, but I wasn't 100% sure it was pure silk. This is pretty, I said.

Jenna smiled. Yeah, the price tag on that one is kind of high, but I thought it might go well with these trousers. She picked up a pair of high-waisted trousers with a wide sash belt.

I blinked. I think I'm way too short to wear wide leg trousers, I admitted.

Nonsense, Jenna said. I can hem the edges if I need to. I think these will look great.

I set them aside and continue to look through the offerings she brought. There was a black long sleeved cocktail dress with a row of sequins across the neck. There was a long sleeve shorter lace dress that I was dying to try on,  a different variety of heels, some sparkly Some solid colored and one nude pair. There was also a pair of sequin leggings, and a white fuzzy sweater.

Jenna snagged those from me. Oh, I saw this in a magazine once. You’d think the combo would look odd but when you put it on it just looks gorgeous. She held up a pair of sparkly silver heels.  if you pair it with this, it looks both comfortable and super classy.

I had to admit it looks super cute, but I wasn't sure I could pull it off. I took it back from her.  I'll try this one on first, I said. I snag the lace dress and lay that on top of it. I spent a few more minutes pawing through some of the clothes,  and found a cute A-line skirt, and a white lace blouse. I'll try this one on too.

I gathered up all the clothes and headed to the master bathroom. I tried on the sequined  leggings first with the sweater. I didn't have a full length mirror in there so I stepped out.

Jenna gassed and surprised. Oh my gosh she looks so cute she cooed.

I stepped up to the mirror. Not too sure about this one I said. It did look cute but I don't think it really fit my personality. I stared at myself a moment more turning to the left and right but then headed back into the bathroom to try and something else.

The lace dress was so short I would have had to make sure I had a wax before I wore it out. So I took that one off then put on the A line skirt and the white lace blouse. I felt it immediately. I felt pretty, no, beautiful. I stepped out only to see a wobbly smile appear in Jenna's face.

That's it, she said. That's the one. You look beautiful.

I stepped in front of my mirror. I did look beautiful, I thought. Sold, I said. Just keep everything here for now, and I'll look through it again later.

Jenna nodded, and produced another bag from out of nowhere. She held up a black lace dress and grinned.  I'm going to run in and get change. Just give me a second.

I slid on a pair of Sky High black patent heels,  Immediately wincing as they pinched my toes together. But when I looked in the mirror and saw how good they looked, I didn't care how much my feet hurt. Story of My Life. Looking cute but in pain.

Jenna came out a few minutes  later, her dark hair curled softly against her face, in her lips painted in a bright  Berry color. She looked gorgeous, and not at all like the girl who was first assigned as my assistant. When I first met Jenna,  The Goth was strong within her. She had a poor attitude, and most of the words she said were grunts. But that was before I had gotten to know her. Now we were thick as thieves.

You look great, I said. I wish I could do my hair that fast.

Jenna winked at me. Them's The Perks of Being magical, she said as she waggled her fingers in the air. She slipped on a pair of sparkly silver heels, grabbed her sequin purse, and looked at me. You ready to go?

My hair was dark and wild just like always, and I still had mascara on that it lasted through a day full of baking.  I decided my hair would do, but I still wanted to throw on some blush and lipstick. Give me 10 minutes I asked.

She nodded. Sure thing. I'm going to go in the kitchen and grab a drink. Want anything?

A glass of wine would be great, I said,  Heading into the bathroom to finish up my makeup.

Five minutes later Jenna had brought me an enormous glass of wine. I grabbed it thankfully and sighed.  is it sad that this is sometimes the best part of my day, I asked her.

Jenna raised her glass up and clinked it against mine. Nothing wrong with that at all she said. We both took an enormous Sip and I set my wine glass down to finish up my makeup.

#

10 minutes later we were out the door and inside of Jenna's car heading over to the restaurant. But when we pulled up, I was pleasantly surprised to see how nice it was. Purgatory was a little bit strange with their buildings. It looks nothing like Earth did. A lot of the buildings had that historical feel, but everything was highlighted with the beautiful purple green and blue lights which Made it feel like I was walking inside of a fantasy. It was funny when I thought about it, because a few months ago if you had told me that Purgatory was a very real place, I would have laughed in your face. just goes to show how much we all knew about the afterlife.

Midnight malice with scroll in italic neon letters across the top of the building. At the end of it was a small martini glass lit up in red and green. there were two large windows at the front of the building complete with fairy lights. But when I got closer I couldn't see any cords or anything. Jenna saw my expression and laughed. They're real fairy lights, she said.

I gawked at her.  what do you mean? Are there real fairies sitting inside of the window?

Jenna snorted. Well, no. if you think about it in the technical sense, their actual lights, but it's fairy Magic. No one has ever been able to recreate it, so the fairies got creative and licensed them. For anyone in purgatory who wants to use them, they have to pay the fairies and initial flat fee and then rental money each month for as long as they use them.

Ha!  That's pretty cool oh, I said. They're magical and little entrepreneurs.

Jenna winced.  try not to let them over here you call them little, she said quietly. It's derogatory.

I blinked at her. Oh, I said. I'm sorry. But aren't they little?

Jenna winced. Well, yes, but it's not like they can help it.

I shook my head. There's so much more to learn, I said.

Jenna linked her arm  inside of mine. That's why you have me, she said,  As she pushed open the door.

Thank goodness for that, I said.

The first thing to hit me was the smell. I basically had lived in a bakery all of my life, so the scent of fresh bread, cinnamon, spices, and chocolate were home to me. This was something quite different. Something I've never experienced before. There was the scent of clothes, but underneath it was something mysterious, something I couldn't quite put my finger on. I've never smelled it before. It smelled like…

magic, Jenna breathed. What you're smelling It's Magic, she said.

I hated it when she did that. It freaked me out. What do you mean magic?

Jenna's grip on my arm was firm. When you get this many Magic users in one place, there's a certain smell that comes with it. It's a combination of everyone's Magic, and the magic of purgatory. It happens every time this many of us Gather in one place.

I pondered this information. So why didn't I smell this when I was at the piano bar before?

Jenna shook her head. The piano bar doesn't cater exclusively to the magic citizens of park Purgatory.  It's a place where humans Gather in droves. Now don't get me wrong, a lot of purgatory citizens do frequent Fancy’s,  but it's not like this place. If you look around, Piper, you're going to see that you are one of the very few humans here. In fact, she said looking back at the door, you'll notice the entrance disappears when you are inside. Humans are unable to find this place without a citizen of purgatory with them.

I stared in awe at my surroundings. Part of me was terrified, but  other Was rapt with morbid fascination. Gorgeous vampires walked around, resplendent in beautiful dresses. Their hair perfectly coiffed, their lipstick painted with meticulous care, their eyes glittering and bright. I noticed a couple of warlocks walking around, familiar faces from the bakery. But a lot of the people I saw in here looks normal, and by normal I meant they looked like me. That was terrifying in itself, especially with what Jenna had just told me. If I was one of the few humans in here that meant that almost everyone I was looking at had some kind of special ability. The vampires were easy to spot. Too pretty, too pale, teeth way too sharp and white. The only reason I could recognize the warlocks was because of some of the magic they performed in my shop. a few of them I had to kick out after they got too rambunctious. Turning their friends into toads inside of my bakery was pretty uncool, but banning them from their favorite chocolate cupcakes seemed to do the trick. A week later they came back in the shop apologetic, staring at me with hangdog eyes. So I let them back in with the promised they wouldn't do anything else like that. So far so good.

Jenna ushered me further into the place. Bodies pressed against us, some cool, some warm. I felt underdressed, and Under made up. I was never one to get too fancy anyway, but now I felt like I was the frumpiest person in the room.  it wasn't a great feeling, but there was nothing I could do about it.

Jenna squeeze my arm. Relax.  you look gorgeous, and you're with me. You have nothing to worry about. She led me up to a wide bar littered with various paranormals and More Liquor than I had ever seen in my entire life. I blinked several times trying to take it all in. It wasn't liquor like back on Earth. almost every single bottle was glittering was some kind of iridescent or sparkly color. I couldn't help myself, I was gawking. Jenna motioned for the bartender to come over to us. When he stepped up, my mouth dropped open. He was absolutely gorgeous. But the most striking thing about him was a shock of white hair that started at his Temple and rode up through the back of his head. It was a swap about 2 inches wide, and it gave him an air of Mystery.

When he saw me staring at it, he grinned. I took a swat to the head, he said. Imagine my surprise when I woke up 6 weeks later and looked in the mirror.

My mouth hang open. You're dead? I immediately realized how stupid that was specially since all of us were kind of dead. Well maybe not the paranormals I guessed, but all of the humans were. Sam had told me that the paranormals here were free to roam wherever they wanted to. It was impossible for me to tell who was dead and who was just visiting, and I kept trying to wrap my head around it but so far it wasn't going very well.

The bartender chuckled with good-natured amusement.  I take it you've never seen a  ghoul?

Jenna nudged me with her hip. I wasn't sure what that meant, but knowing Jenna it was a warning. Unfortunately I didn't know what she was trying to warn me about. So I plowed on just like I usually tended to do.

Nope, I said. Can't say that I have. I don't get out much.

The bartender extended a hand over the bar. Name is Hal, he said.  I take it you're the baker that everybody keeps talking about he asked.

I sighed and took his hand, surprised at the warmth of it. You caught me, I said. Piper bloom. At Your Service.

Hal grinned at me.  In spite of myself I found I could not stop staring at him. Bright blue eyes stared back at me, amused.  There was a Charming quality to his Crooked Smile, self-deprecating and kind. “Actually it appears I'm at your service. What can I get you?”

Jenna cut me off before I could order something I was used to.  Her gaze drifted over  behind my shoulder. Looks like you have a visitor, Piper.

I spun around in Surprise only to see Josef Remus behind me. I step to the side to let Jenna stand beside me and she gave Josef a friendly wave.  He smiled at her, but the warmth didn't reach his eyes. Sensing he wanted to speak to me in private, Jenna touched my shoulder and leaned over to whisper she would be right back. As soon as she stepped away from us Josef came closer.

Piper, I'm surprised to see you here, Josef said.

I Shrugged. Jenna thought it would be a good idea if I got out. I can't say I disagree with her. I waved a hand around the place. would you miss this if you have the opportunity to see it?

Amusement lit Josef’s swirling eyes. You know how I love to know things, he said. I wouldn't miss this for the world.

I smiled at him. Exactly. It's good to see you, Joseph.

And you as well Piper. but I wish I were here just to chat. he glanced sideways at the bartender who set down his rag and quickly walked away. Curiosity flickered over his face, but Hal appeared to be someone who knew Joseph and was smart enough not to get involved. Once Hal had left,  Joseph step closer to me and leaned over   to whisper in my ear.

Have you seen Sam lately?

I stiffened. Why?

I'm concerned that you're getting over your head, he said.

Story of My Life.

Joseph sighed and stepped away.  Be wary of the elves, he said in a low voice. It's been thousands of years and we still don't understand them.

I lifted an eyebrow. I consider Sam to be a friend.

Joseph lifted  both of his hands in an I surrender gesture.  Forewarned is forearmed.

Are you spying on me I asked.

Joseph laughed. I have spies everywhere, he said. If you want to look at it like this consider that I Spy on everyone. Knowledge is my currency, and I am a very, very rich man.

When I failed to respond, he shook his head and change the subject.

I wasn't expecting to see you tonight, he admitted. But I'm glad I did. I have something back at the library that you might be interested in.

Oh? I asked.

He nodded. Something to do with what you asked me about before. About this place and your old life. He leaned in again. Make sure you come soon, and make sure you come alone. I've instructed my staff to let you walk right into my office.

I nodded, both curious and really suspicious. I'll come as soon as I can, I told him.

Jenna return shortly after, and as soon as Joseph saw her he gave me a short nod, turned on his heel and walked away. As much as I admired him, I couldn't help shake the feeling that Joseph Remus might be a very dangerous man.

My feelings about him were only solidified when Hal  came back up and gave me a curious look.

I would be very careful around Joseph Remus, he said in a low voice.  I've been in purgatory for only 20 years but I've heard enough about him to give him a wide berth.

Our gazes held for a moment before I gave him a short nod.  I'll keep that in mind I told him.

He nodded back and turn to grab a tumbler from behind him. While I watched he mixed a strange concoction of several liquids, finally adding something that was bright purple and shimmery into the drink. I watched in Fascination as the drink  floated and shimmered above me,  finally coming to a gentle rest right in front of me. My startled gaze met his amused one.

He pushed  get a little closer to me. Try it he said it's not going to bite you.

I chuckled nervously. Are you sure it isn't going to bite me? I just saw it float in the air so I'm not sure what else I can do.

Hal  shook his head. If I had to compare this to anything, it would be the White Russian. Some of the Liquors are the same, but what makes it really special is the grave essence.

Just as I was reaching out for the drink, I recoiled. Grave Essence? I echoed.

A small smile quirked the side of his mouth.  yes, he said Amusement in his town. But you don't have anything to worry about. Grave Essence is the Psy that comes when the soul is fully a trust. When you die here it's like you were never born. You cease to exist. As soon as that happens the physical body lets out something similar to a sigh.  we capture it, and we use it in some of our most popular drinks.

That's sad, I told him.

He Shrugged. That's purgatory.

I hesitantly reached out for the multicolored drink. I was nervous to consume it, but by then Jenna had come back up and was staring at me expectantly. Smiling, so that made me feel more comfortable. This isn't going to turn me into anything weird, is it?

Both Jenna and Hal laugh. I glare at the both of them because laughter isn't really making me feel better about drinking it. But my fingers curl around the glass and I lift it and take a tentative sip.

It was delicious. Hal  laughed at the expression of delight on my face.

this is phenomenal, I gasped.

When you finish, I'll make you another one, he said

I would love that I said. I can't help myself. I finished the drink within a minute or two, and Hal  is there almost immediately placing another one in my hand. Jenna takes the time to show me one of the menus and we order more food than either one of us could possibly ever eat. Everything looked so good, and I never had the opportunity to taste anything here. Anything local, that was.

Hal  Recommended the oysters purgatory. Jenna selected some kind of strange looking fondue with unpronounceable ingredients. I went out on a limb and selected something that seem to be similar to potato Croquettes. Except they were made with ingredients specific to Purgatory. But they were fried, so whatever they were probably had to be delicious.

20 minutes later, I was on my third grave Essence drink, and Jen and I were inhaling the massive amount of food we bought. Hal  Was extremely busy, but as soon as anything slow down, he would come right back over and hang out with us. I liked him. It also didn't hurt that he looked like a magazine model. Everything I've ever read about ghouls,  and I was the first to admit that I hadn't read much, describe them looking very zombieish. They also supposedly ate brains. Hal  Didn't look like the kind of guy who would crack open a skull for dinner, but what did I know. I was still brand new to this place for the most part.

Toward the end of dinner, Hal  and I begin to talk about the bakery and some of the offerings that we had. I explained that Jenna and I were looking to bring in more local Purgatory flavors, but I was unsure of what to offer. Jenna popped into the conversation and made a few suggestions,  and Hal  agreed with all of them, occasionally interjecting things that neither one of us had thought about.

The conversation took an interesting turn when I asked him how he acquired the grave essence. Hal  Admitted that he was a part-time Grave Digger at one of the local cemeteries. My mouth hung open in shock, but I guess I shouldn't have been too surprised. He was a ghoul after all. Maybe the idea of him eating brains shouldn't be too far-fetched. So you can acquire however much you need? I asked.

Not quite, he admitted. There isn't a lot of death that happens in purgatory. I mean, it's not rare, not exactly, but it doesn't happen everyday. Isource what I can from the graveyard. But I have a supplier Who comes in bi-weekly.  I never know how much of it I'm going to receive, so it's really up in the air what we do with the bar every week. There's a huge demand of it, but no one can never predict how many people or creatures will pass away, and how many of them are actually at peace. He Shrugged. We just deal with it the best that we can.

My mind was spinning with ideas. So how would you feel about providing the bakery with occasional grave Essence for our specials?

Jenna gasped and coughed on her drink. Really? Her eyes were lit up in happiness.  everyone is going to love that!

Hal’s gaze turned contemplative.  I'm not sure, he admitted. I can talk to my supplier and see what we can do.

I grinned at him. That sounds awesome! I reached over for a napkin, and pulled the pin out of my purse. I scribbled my number down and pushed it over to him. That's my cell phone number, I told him. Call me when you know something and maybe we can get together to work out the details.

Hal Took the napkin. Of course. He grinned at both of us.  Thanks for bringing her around, Jenna. it was very nice to meet you, he said to me.

Likewise. I stood and grabbed my purse. Digging through it I pulled out several bills and placed them on the counter, along with a hefty tip for the bartender.  He stared at it for a second and then shook his head, pushing the money back at me.

On the house, he said. It's not often we get gorgeous Bakers around here. He gave me that Crooked Smile[2] and I felt  a blush start from my toes and head straight toward my face.

Jenna snorted in amusement.  you flirt, she admonished him.

How Shrugged his shoulders. It's not flirting he said if it's the truth.

I tried to push the money back toward him but he was having none of it. Eventually I gave up, mumbled a  soft thank you and looked away before I started blathering like an idiot. I gave him a small wave and turned around to head back to the door. Only realizing too late that I couldn't see the door because I was human. This force me to stop and wait for Jenna who came up beside me cracking up.

You like him, she teased me.

I scoffed. Hardly, I said. But you can't help but admit the guy looks like Chris Hemsworth.

Jenna gave me a funny stare. Who?

I rolled my eyes. You and I need to have some serious Marvel time, I told her.

Jenna again gave me a befuddled look and shook her head. Sometimes it seems like you're speaking in Greek she admitted.

Well English isn't exactly the easiest language to learn, but I'm speaking in Marvel. as in we need to go and watch every single Marvel movie ever made in order. Which means you will meet Chris Hemsworth and a whole bunch of other pieces of sexy man meat.

Jenna's face would have put interest. Man-made? I might not know what Marvel means but I do know what man meat is. Count Me In!

We made our way over to the car me stumbling slightly after all of those grave Essence drinks, and made our way home. I barely remembered getting out of the car and making my way to the bed. But I guess I got there because I woke up the next morning surprisingly headache-free and remembering the bartender's cute smile.

I groaned and shoved a pillow over my head. Like I needed another cute guy in my life. I already had two  of them and didn't know  what to do with either one.

I blinked a few times my suggestion to the light. It was Saturday. I wasn't hungover which was a good thing. And Jen and I had decided to close the bakery last night on your way home. We both needed a day off. Hopefully the Purgatory residence wouldn't be too upset about it, but we were going to come in strong on Monday morning and make it worth everyone’s while.

For now I had a librarian to see. I really creepy one.

Chapter 10

I walked past  the dragon Fountain, still enamored by the iridescence of their scales and how the dim light of purgatory still managed to play off of the statue. It sparkled and whirled before my very eyes. It was a sight that I would never get used to seeing. I headed into the library and was immediately ushered to the elevator.  Seconds later I stepped right into the opulent offices of Joseph Ramos. It hadn't changed a bit since the last time I stepped in here.

the man himself was sitting behind his desk[3],  imposing yet elegant. There was a tray of what appeared to be copy in t sitting in front of him. He had already helped himself to  to the T. I knew he didn't drink coffee from our last conversations. And even though I told him it was sacrilege, he didn't seem to care.

We Made idle chit chat for a while but the subject soon turn to why Joseph  wanted to see me.

I came across the tome while I was researching something completely unrelated, he told me. He reached into a drawer, and pulled out a small then black book. I eagerly reached for it, but he snatched it away from me. He shook his head, disappointment written on his face. Some magic is too dangerous to be allowed out into the world, Piper. This is one of them.

At my crestfallen look his expression softened. When you came here, did you get a list of your transgressions?

I blinked and surprise. Yes, but I didn't look at it too much, I admitted. Just the first page it was already embarrassing enough.

Joseph knotted. All of those things are against you right now. You're a woman that searches for answers, and I'm a man who loves knowledge and the truth. He sighed and steepled his fingers together. But some knowledge is too much for humans to bear, and they weren't meant to dabble in many of these Arts.

He paused, appearing to try to put his words together.

I guess what I'm trying to tell you is that getting out of purgatory requires the use of black magic. the darkest kind of magic.  But the end result is not what you want Piper. It's not going to get you into heaven, he admitted.

Surprised I leaned back in my chair and stared at him. Then I guess I'm confused why I'm here?

Joseph swirling gaze met my own. I tried to look away but I couldn't. There was something ancient, Dark, Yet soft and wise about the multicolored personality of his eyes.  you're here because this magic will get you out of purgatory.

Okay, I said curious. And where exactly would I go once I'm out of purgatory?

Silence fell between us and stretched, taut  and stiff.  Home, he finally said. You would go home.

My Heart thundered. Blood raw ride through my ears as the possibilities hit me. I could go home. I could go back to my own Bakery, see my mother, see my father, all of my friends. I could get a dog. I could go to work again and have my own bank account. I could -

Joseph interrupted my train of wild thoughts.

I know what you're thinking. I know you think that you'll go home and everything will be the same, but  there's a strong possibility it won't be like that at all. If you choose to use this magic it will reset the balance of everything. You might get home and not a single person knows you. You might get home and your father has passed away. You may get home and your bakery  is gone. And even if you did make it home and everything was as it was when you left it, how are you going to explain yourself. And what happens when you die again, Piper? Or will you?  There are too many possibilities here for this to be safe. They only one positive is that you get to go home. But there are so many variables to this that I don't think it's worth the risk or the danger, or frankly the possibility of exposing all of us here in Purgatory.”

I can feel anger coursing through my body. Then why did you bring me here? Why did you dangle this Hope in Front of Me? Why would you bother to tell me that there was a possibility of me going back home and yet not give me the chance of really making a decision about it?

His mouth thinned. one thing I'm not is a liar, he said. I told you if I found anything I will let you know, and I did just that. I never said you could not use this magic, Piper, but I strongly recommend against it.”  his eyes swirled as he regarded me And his head tilted. Is it really so bad here he asked me.

thoughts of Sam flooded through my mind. The way he smiled at me, the way he appeared to be so torn about his current state of life, the way he brushed my hair away from my face, the way he enjoyed spending time with me. Could I walk away from that?

And then there was Niko. I found him to be a study in contradiction, yet I couldn't help but want to know him better. I thought he was an honorable man, though I know he struggled with his nature. And Jenna. She was one of the best friends I've ever had on Earth or here. Leaving her would be borderline unbearable. But on the other hand I also thought about Lewis, and the danger that my bakery had been in when he was alive. I couldn't help but think about the Brotherhood and how terrified I was that I would run into someone with silver eyes on the street. I thought about Sam's sister and her dire warnings about her brother. I wanted nothing more than to get away from that, but for some reason I kept finding myself in danger.

I stood. thank you for your time, Joseph, I said. I think I have a lot to think about.

Joseph began to speak, but I held a hand up. I can show my self out I said.

#

I headed to the bakery after word even though it was closed. My head was spinning with the information Joseph had given me. When I was at my worst and couldn't concentrate on anything, I would always go into the kitchen and bake. It was my release. I check to make sure there was no one waiting at the doors, and I quietly let myself in, locking the doors behind me. I breathed a sigh of relief that I had been able to get in with no one demanding that I open the bakery, but that relief was short-lived when I saw who was waiting for me inside.

Trin, Sam's sister, was sitting inside of my bakery cross-legged see, staring at me expectantly. I stifled a scream and glared at her. What are you doing here? I hissed.

I rushed over to all the windows and make sure that all the shades are pulled tight. Then I rushed over to the front door to make sure I had remember to lock it. The last thing I needed was someone seen Trin inside of here. The woman sat there watching me for a while, her green Eyes twinkling. I can see why my brother likes you, she said.

I rolled my eyes as I slid into the booth across from her. Again I said, why are you here?

Her full lips pouted. Aw Piper, it's almost like you don't like me or something.

I sat there in silence,  glaring at her.

She sighed. Fine. I'm here to tell you that the Brotherhood is coming up with something huge. One delicate shoulder rose and fell  in a fluid motion. It's so powerful that even the lesser psychics are getting wind of it in their visions.  More of them are going to die.

Trin Begin to stand, but I held my hand out. Wait. You can't just come in here and say something like that, then leave.

Trinh smiled. Of course I can. That's the only thing I came here to tell you. Her mouth quirked in a way that reminded me very much of Sam. Oh, and I also came to tell you to ask my brother out.

Just when I was about to give her a piece of my mind, someone begin to pound in the bakery door. Trin’s eyes widened.

answer it, she hissed.  It's probably Niko.

As I turn to go open the door, Trind leaned over and whispered in my ear. He knows more than he lets on, she said just before she disappeared Into Thin Air.

  I was getting annoyed with people constantly disappearing on me before I could respond to the ridiculous things they said to me. I rolled my eyes  and Rushed over to the door to open it. Niko burst inside, his gaze traveling all over the bakery. Who are you talking to? He demanded.

I slap on an innocent expression. No one, I said. I was just singing.

His lips twisted aside and emotion of annoyance. He knows I'm lying. Niko shakes his head and doesn't press anymore. Look, I need you to come down to the station.

Why? I asked him. The last time I was there I was under suspicion of murder. I wasn't exactly Keen to go back.

His face was somber  as he relayed that another psychic in purgatory had died.

I felt terrible about it but I didn't know what I had to do with it. I relayed as much to him only for Niko to pull a slip of paper out of his pocket.

I figured you'd say that, he said as he handed the slip to me.

I unfolded it only to see my name written across the paper in a spidery hand.  My gaze lifted to his, questioning.

I don't understand, I told him.

This was in her hand before she died, he said.

My shoulders fell.  I grabbed my purse from the booth, held the door open for Niko, and followed him out.

At least I wasn't in handcuffs this time.

Chapter 11

Everything about the PLE is the same. It still feels sterile and cold, and all of the people there are all still inhuman. Rose was still sitting in the same place I saw her last, wearing the same smirky smile I so hated. I was a little less afraid of her this time. Just a little. I didn’t know that I would ever not be afraid of someone who drank from the jugular.

Rose greeted me and ushered me directly into a sterile room. I sighed as I sank once again into the uncomfortable metal chairs. They really needed to get a new decorator in here. The scent of chrome was overwhelming and I felt like I was going to be blinded every time the overhead light flashed against the silvery table.

Niko had left me as soon as we’d walked into the station. I’m assuming this was a good cop/bad cop thing. All I needed now was Stern breathing down my neck and my life would be complete.

Sure enough, not five minutes later the woman herself came in, her tiny wings tucked against her back and her face frozen in a thunderous frown.

“Piper,” she said by way of greeting. “Can’t say I’m surprised to see you here again.”

“Hilarious,” I drawled. “Can’t say your sense of humor has improved any, either.”

If possible, the frown grew even darker. She was about to retort when the door opened and Niko walked in, his large frame filling up the doorway. He nodded to me, then settled himself directly across from me in one of the uncomfortable seats. Stern chose to stand and loom behind him, casting an enormous shadow over Niko and me.

Amusement flickered briefly over Niko’s face, and my lips twitched in response, but with a sharp throat clearing from Stern, our amusement quickly dried up.

Niko sighed. “Piper -”

“Miss Bloom,” Stern enunciated primly, before she resumed her standing guard duty post.

“Miss Blooooommmm,” Niko drawled, rolling his eyes.

I pressed my lips together to keep from smiling.

“Can you tell me anything about a Charity Parker?” he asked.

I shook my head. “I’ve never heard of her.” It was true. I hadn’t. I’d come into a lot of contact with the residents of Purgatory just by virtue of them coming by the bakery, but 90% of them never introduced themselves. I figured it was because I was still new and because I was human. I tried not to take offense to it.

“Ms. Parker was a talented psychic. She was known to read cards in the towne square every Saturday evening.”

I stared at the both of them. “Okay,” I finally said when it seemed like they both expected me to say something.

“Her routine appeared to be known to the perpetrator. Have you ever attended the weekly festivities in the the square?”

I blinked. “I didn’t know there were festivities in the town square every week, and now I’m wondering if I should be offended that I was never invited.”

Niko shifted in his seat, looking a little uncomfortable. Stern merely stood there like a massive gargoyle. “I’m surprised Jenna never mentioned it.”

Me too, I thought, trying not to get my feelings hurt.

Niko continued to pepper me with questions, but I was entirely unhelpful. Not only had I never heard of her, I’d never been to the town square, nor had I once visited any psychics for the purpose of a reading.

Stern was getting aggravated. “Then why did she have your name scribbled on a sheet of paper when she died?” she demanded.

“Heck if I know,” I retorted. “I know exactly nothing about this place, nor do I understand the people here. Maybe she was going to buy some cupcakes.”

“Or maybe,” Stern said, her voice ominous, “she was naming her killer.”

My lips twisted in annoyance. “Yes, because I’m sure she had time to grab a pen and paper and write something while someone was busy killing her.”

Stern’s flat and beady eyes turned hard and angry.

I swallowed. Maybe I should watch my sarcasm around her. She didn’t look like the kind of woman who could be bribed with delicious cupcakes. She looked like the kind of woman who would beat me with the pan they came out of.

I threw my hands up in the air. “What do you want from me? I’m a baker for crying out loud. Not a murderer. I thought we established this the last time you hauled me down here on frivolous charges.”

Stern’s look didn’t change.

“Stern,” Niko admonished. “Enough.”

“She’s guilty,” Stern blurted.

“Of what?” I demanded. “Annoying you?”

Niko pinched the space in between his brows. “Piper, you’re free to go. If you think of anything, please call me.”

“Niko,” Stern growled.

Niko stood and pinned the other agent with a steely glare. For a moment it was a showdown and I wasn’t sure who was going to win. Stern was the first to blink and look away. I used the awkward silence that fell to get away. As I walked back down the hall, I blew out a long and slow breath.

“Gracious,” I said to myself.

Rose was waiting for me at the end of the hall. I stifled a sigh and greeted her with a pleasant smile.

She was too beautiful for human consumption. Voluptuous in all the right places with ebony hair curling past her waist, I felt like a frumpy schoolmarm next to her.

“Stern can be a real jerk, you know?” she said in a conspiratorial whisper.

I blinked. “Yeah,” I said after a long pause. “I’ve experienced it firsthand a few times now.”

“She’s got a good heart, though.” Rose held the glass doors to the main reception area open for me.

“I hope so,” I admitted. “Because I’m getting pretty tired of getting harassed by her.”

She let the door shut behind us. “She just needs a cause. Stern has been after the Brotherhood for years now.” She leaned in closer. “They killed her husband a few years ago.”

I stopped in my tracks and gaped at Rose. She gave me a pressed lip smile. “Stern’s a hard woman, Miss Bloom, but she’s a good agent. I’m not sure why she dislikes you so much, but one piece of advice I can give you, and one I’m sure you’ve heard before, you can attract a lot more flies with honey than vinegar. My mama used to say that to me.” Something flickered in her pretty eyes. “Before I died.”

We made it to the exit doors. I opened my mouth to say something, anything, but found I was short of words. She gave me a short nod, a pat on the back and flicked the door open with a finger. “Have a nice day,” she said. “I took the liberty of calling you a cab.”

“Thanks,” I said because it seemed like there was nothing else to say.

“I’m sure I’ll see you soon, Piper.”

I hesitated at the doors. “You know if you ever want a cupcake or anything, all you ever have to do it stop by the bakery.”

Rose gave me a toothy grin. “Maybe I’ll do that.”

I stepped out into the chilly, gloomy Purgatory day and rushed over to the taxi.

Sliding in, I  was looking at the ground as I rattled off my address. My thought were everywhere else but where they were supposed to be.

“Hello, Piper,” a raspy voice said from right next to me.

I screeched in alarm and felt wildly around for the door handle, but the driver had already taken off.

A papery hand stopped me. “Relax,” the voice said.

It was hard to relax with my heart pumping wildly and my fight or flight response triggered, but then the tone of the voice started to get through to me and my eyes began to adjust to the dark interior of the vehicle.

“Dolores,” I breathed.

“One and the same,” she cackled.

“You almost made me pee myself.”

“Nothing that doesn’t happen to me on a daily basis,” she said “Old age ain’t what it’s cracked up to be.”

I couldn’t help the snort that escaped me.

Dolores murmured something to the driver and a window I didn’t know was there slowly began to move between the front and back seat, leaving me and Dolores enclosed in privacy.

“Do all of the cabs do that?”

“No, dear. Ricardo has been driving me for years. I had it installed at much personal cost years ago. It’s sound proofed, bulletproof and magic proof.”

I reached out and touched it, a little disappointed that it felt like just...a window.

“I guess I should ask why you’re in my cab?”

“My cab, dear,” she said with a chuckle. “I have some interesting information. And...I’ve decided to take you up on your offer.”

My gaze drifted to hers. I had to admit. I was surprised. Dolores was adamant she wasn’t going back with me. For her to have an abrupt change of heart was surprising. “We have room in the bakery,” I told her. We did, but it wasn’t much. A small room in the back complete with a futon and small area to hang your clothes. Dolores would be safe there. For a little while at least.

Dolores waved a hand at me. “Doesn’t matter. I can sleep anywhere. I survived the Siege of Leningrad. Not much fazes me.”

I assumed not. I wasn’t too adept in history, but I remember reading about the Leningrad siege. It was...horrific was the best word I could use to describe it. “So you’re human?” I asked her.

Dolores’ cackling laughter hurt my feelings.

“Of course I’m human! What in the world did you think I was? All of the psychics here are human. Though I can imagine some are in the bad place.”

I shook my head. Today had been too weird.

“Sorry.”

She made a tsking noise. “You’re still new here. You’re allowed to ask questions like that.”

Silence fell in the cab. Dolores cleared her throat and shifted. She was nervous about something.

“Dolores?” I queried.

“I’m here for something else. Some of the girls have been talking. There have been some...rumblings about you.”

I stared at her, waiting for her to elaborate.

“The consensus is you didn’t die by accident.”

I waited for the other part of this because I was aware of this fact. After Louis, a lot of information has surfaced, none of it good news.

Dolores’s look switched from sympathy to confusion. “You know this.”

It wasn’t a question. “Yes.”

“It’s not only you being murdered. You were brought here. For a reason.”

“How could someone possibly know I’d get placed into Purgatory?”

Dolores shrugged, lifting one thin shoulder up. “Only the big guy knows. But maybe you were a mistake. Maybe you aren’t supposed to be here at all.”

I thought back to the list of transgressions I was handed when I first came here and shook my head. “No,” I said with a rueful chuckle. “Pretty sure I belong her.”

Dolores reached over and patted my hand. “We all get that list. Doesn’t mean you were meant for here. All of us make mistakes.” She sighed. “All I know, Piper, is that things have never been more interesting since you got here.”

I frowned. I’m not sure I liked the sound of that. “Do you know the history of this place?”

She snort laughed. “If I were anyone else, I might have gotten my feelings hurt over that question. This place is ageless. I’m old but not that old.” Dolores sighed. “What I do know is this place used to be solely for paranormals. Humans weren’t allowed.” She shrugged. “Something happened. Don’t know what. But slowly and surely, humans started showing up here. Now, this is the holding place. Where the halfway good guys go when they’re waiting on the decision to go up or down.”

I swallowed hard. “You mean Heaven or Hell?”

One of her thin shoulders rose. “If that’s what you believe in. For me it used to be the Summerlands. Now, after waking up here, I’m not sure what I believe in anymore.”

“The Summerlands?” I looked over at her. “Sounds nice.”

A small smile played across her mouth, making her look younger. “It is. Or so I imagine it to be.”

We rode in silence awhile and my thoughts drifted to my untimely death. While at first I’d thought one of my new employees was just a bad driver, it ended up not being so simple. Louis, my mobster ex-boyfriend had something to do with it, so that seemingly innocent new driver turned out to be not so innocent after all. I’d wound up here and while I’d much rather still be alive, Purgatory turned out to not be so bad. But...Dolores did raise the question that was begging to be answered. How in the world did Louis guarantee I would end up here? Or did he care? It seemed like he did because he followed me in his hellbent revenge scheme. But then again, Louis had never been the kind of guy who planned too far ahead. So was it my own fault I ended up here? Wasn’t it possible that Louis just wanted me dead, but then saw another opportunity to make me pay once he realized I’d landed here too? Right in front of his greedy paws? I didn’t know. My shoulders slumped as the cab pulled up in front of my apartment building.

Dolores reached over and held my arm for a second, stopping me from getting out of the car. “Don’t think about it too much. When your penance is finished here, you can leave.” She smiled at me, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. We both knew she was only trying to make me feel better. I knew she didn’t actually believe the words she was saying.

I smiled back and pulled my arm away.

“Besides,” she called just as I was about to shut the door, “it’s not like you’re aging while you’re here!”

I laughed under my breath, shoved a bill at the cabbie, and shut the door behind me.

Chapter Twelve

Jenna was waiting for me when I got home. Before I even finished pushing my door open, she flung it open and stared at me with wide blue eyes.

“Piper!” she exclaimed before I even took a step inside the house. “Are you okay?”

I shrugged my jacket off and threw it across the back of a chair. “Fine,” I said, though bone deep exhaustion was beginning to roll over me like a fog.

“A friend of mine saw you walking out with Niko. I tried to call the station but Rose was entirely unhelpful.” Jenna’s lips twisted as she mentioned the gorgeous vampire, but after our meeting today, I knew there was a lot more to Rose than what met the eyes.

“Another psychic was found dead today,” I told her. “My name was brought up.”

Jenna’s brow crinkled. “Brought up? How?”

I told her about the slip of paper found curled in her fingers. “I don’t know how it got there. I’ve never met the woman.”

She shut the door behind me and busted over to the kitchen, fussing over me like a mother hen. I stifled a smile. Jenna was older than me, technically, but she looked like a teenager. Of course, I’d never seen her without her changeling glamour, so to me she appeared to be a dark-haired, blue eyed goth teenager. Heavy eyeliner and too much leather, but the dimples kept her from going too far over the edge. It was hard to look super metal when you had Shirley Temple dimples.

Moments later she’d shoved a large mug of coffee at me and shooed me over to one of the dining stools at the counter.

I settled in, knowing she wanted to talk about something, and curled my fingers around the warm mug.

Jenna took her coffee and leaned across the counter. Her gaze was piercing yet nervous. “I have a suggestion.”

I met her gaze. “Okay.”

“We should try to conceal the psychics.”

“Mmmm,” I said, having no idea what she was talking about. “And how do we do that?”

Jenna straightened. “Hear me out.”

That statement made me more nervous than it ought to because now I was wondering exactly what my friend had up her lacy sleeve.

Before I could open my mouth, a soft knock sounded on the door. Jenna held up a finger, stepped out of the kitchen and peeked through the door hole. “Dolores?” she questioned.

“Open the damn door!” the old woman demanded.

Jenna snorted and let her in.

Dolores glared at me “I can’t believe you didn’t invite me in. I came to you to tell you I was ready for help and you just leave me in the cab! I’m old and we still have manners. I sat out there for five minutes waiting for you to remember yours! So then I thought I’d go get a cup of coffee and some lunch and hit you up later, but then I decided

[1]Not knowing what to expect.

[2]And I felt a blush start from my toes and head up to my face.

[3]Imposing