Witch's Bell Book One

slapped down amongst all these mundane little people who didn't understand the justice and order of things.
    The man was obviously ignoring her now, concentrating instead on dragging Ben out of here. 'Look,' he said with a sharp sigh, 'I don't see any ropes around here. And frankly, this is a used bookstore, Ben, don't you think a dark alley, or a drug den, or an abandoned warehouse, or practically anywhere but here would be more relevant to police work?'
    Ben trotted over to a half-full waste-paper basket and threw away his crumpled bag. Wiping his fingers on his pants, he shrugged. 'Drug den? You been reading cop novels from the 1920's, or something?'
    The man's expression only grew more exasperated. 'You know what I mean: meth lab, hydroponics unit, whatever. Point is we're wasting our time. That murder isn't going to get solved by standing around –'
    Ben finally raised a hand, and Ebony was pleased to note there was an edge of finality to the movement. For the most part, Detective Ben Tate was a softy. He'd never say anything without a grin, was sure never to drop by before ten, and hardly grumbled when Ebony stole his coffee. But when he wanted to, he could muster the authority of a field general. 'Alright Detective Wall, that's enough. I brought you here to meet Ebony Bell. Ebony, this is Nate Wall.'
    Ebony smiled, perfect white-teeth glinting through the ruby-red of her favorite lipstick. 'Detectives Nate and Tate, hmm, now doesn't that roll off the tongue.'
    Ben made a loud sound like a buzzer. 'Wrong answer, Eb. That's where you curtsy and say "nice to meet you, detective". And as for you,' Ben turned on Nate, 'this is where you-'
    'It's such a damn pleasure to meet you,' Nate crossed the room quickly and, much to Ebony's surprise, lifted up her hand and shook it vigorously. The man had a grip like a jeweler’s vice, and shook Ebony's hand like a business man after a sales pitch. 'Gee,' his voice was high and fake, 'my name's Detective Nathan Andrew Wall, such a pleasure.'
    Ebony blinked quickly, surprised at his sudden change of personality. Her first impression of this man had been one of a sarcastic, but mostly boring, all around good-guy. Tall, handsome, officious, and would probably cite every single rule in the book, given the chance. But now she had to change her estimation of Detective Nate Wall. Why? Because the man was clearly playing her.
    'So Eb,' Nate stood a little too close to Ebony, looming height and solid build just a touch inside her personal space, 'do you mind if I call you Eb?'
    Just as she'd teased and prodded him before, it seemed like the good detective was now getting his own back. 'No, pet,' she stressed the term of endearment, 'you call me whatever you need to.'
    'Ah, how accommodating,' Nate nodded, face full of false cheer. Only the curl at the corners of his lips looked real. 'So Eb, I'm the new detective in town, and my partner here was just showing me the ropes, see.'
    Ebony nodded her head, eyes narrowing ever so slightly. Detective Nate could play this game all he wanted, but really, the boy had no idea what was coming.
    'Anyhow, my partner here really seems to think it's important that I meet you. I don't know why,' Nate's tone was beginning to shift, 'I mean, you run a used bookstore, after all. Hey, maybe you have a great section on crime, or something? Or some collector's edition Guns and Ammo? Or,' the detective's tone was now as dry and sharp as a newly forged blade, 'maybe this is a waste of time.'
    'Hmm,' Ebony made a soft, careful noise. 'You are in luck; I do have a very good collection of books relating to crime. And I might even have a couple of copies of Guns and Ammo hanging around.'
    Nate's face was stony, challenging.
    'Also,' her mouth formed the slowest of smiles, 'I'm a witch.'
    Dead silence met that little fact. Finally Nate's face cracked, and he let out a bullet blast of a laugh. 'A witch? Blimey, you're wasting my time and you're mad.'
    If Nate Wall had half the mind to look at his partner, he would have seen the ashen look of fear cross Ben's face. 'Ah, Nate,' Ben began, 'you might not want to-'
    'You know what, lady, I have work to do. There was a horrible, brutal murder last night. As fun as this has been, I have a real job.' Nate turned around and started picking his way towards the front door. 'Judging by the look of this store,' he mumbled under his breath, 'you would have no idea what work is anyway. The damn thing should be torn