Hexed

then returned to questioning me.
    » How long did the victim work for you? «
    » More than two years. I’d have to look up the exact hire date if you want that. «
    » Was he a dependable employee? «
    » The very best. «
    » Did he have any enemies that you know of, any trouble outside work at all? «
    I shook my head. » He was a quiet dude. If he had troubles, he never showed it. «
    » How about at work—was there any friction with you, or another employee, maybe a regular customer? «
    » He and I got along like peanut butter and jelly. Can’t speak for anyone else. «
    » Could you name any other employees and your regulars? «
    » Rebecca Dane is my other employee. Just hired her the day before yesterday. My regulars are Sophie, Arnie, Joshua, and Penelope … I don’t know their last names. They come in first thing every morning for Mobili-Tea, rain or shine. They would have already shown up before this happened. «
    » What’s Mobili-Tea? «
    » A tea I make that helps with arthritis. «
    » Is there any video footage in the store? «
    » Yes, I’ll get the tape for you. « He had to have known the answer to that already. My security-camera footage was precisely what Hal was using to sue Tempe in my wrongful shooting weeks ago.
    » Any drug use that you’re aware of? «
    » No. «
    » Any other health issues that he may have exhibited or shared with you? «
    » Nothing, dude. «
    » All right. Is there anything else you can think of, anything at all, that might have hinted that this was coming? «
    Besides my divination that morning? No. A giant flock of guilt flew in and settled down upon my shoulders. » ‘Not a whit,’ « I said softly, past a tightening throat. » ‘We defy augury.’ «
    » Beg your pardon? «
    » ‘There is a special providence in the fall of a sparrow,’ « I whispered, my vision blurring a bit, Perry’s still form losing focus.
    » Did you say Providence? As in Rhode Island? «
    I wiped my eyes and looked at Geffert for the first time, suddenly wary. » No, I meant providence as in the guidance and protection of a higher power. «
    » Oh. What was the rest of that? Something about August? «
    » It was a private elegy for the deceased, « I said dully. » Nothing pertaining to the investigation. «
    He cocked his head sideways at me and said, » Your vocabulary has markedly improved, Mr. O’Sullivan. «
    Shit. A couple of lads from the coroner’s office were bringing out a body bag, and I turned to watch them. » Gotta develop the noggin along with the numchuks, dude, « I replied in the same low monotone I’d used since I arrived. » I don’t just sell books, I actually read them too. «
    » That makes sense, « the detective said affably, but now that my mask had slipped, however briefly, I doubted he was fooled anymore. » Forgive me. One more question. Have you found your sword since we spoke last? «
    » No. «
    The detective paused and wrote something down on his notepad that was significantly longer than » No. «
    » Okay, that’s all for now, « he said, » but I’d appreciate it if you’d answer your phone in case we need to reach you. «
    » Right. « Geffert moved away and sent an officer over to accompany me inside and get my security tape. Even if it showed the witch coming inside to lure Perry out, it would do them no good. I locked up the shop, flipping the sign to say CLOSED. I called Rebecca Dane, informing her of the sad news and telling her to stay home for the next couple of days, then after they’d taken Perry’s body away I rode my bike home, since it was still there from the previous night when I’d left on the wing.
    Detective Geffert was already in front of my house, questioning Granuaile and confirming my story for that day and also checking out the bats and balls Granuaile had bought at Target—they’d never caught up with her the previous night to check out my alibi for the night of the Satyrn Massacre. Brilliant as she was with little details, she’d remembered to have Oberon chew on the balls a bit, and Geffert was fingering them with distaste while standing in front of the open trunk of her car as I pulled up. Granuaile was standing next to him and rolled her eyes at me by way of greeting. Oberon was lying down on the front porch and gave me a quick update on what he thought I needed to know.
    › The Man is here again, and he still hasn’t tried to pet me. He kinda smells like mildewed socks and tuna fish. ‹
    » Ah, Mr.