Midsummer Night's Mayhem (19 page)

Rain ran up beside her. “What’s happened? Are you okay?”

“Just one of those mornings. The reality is I’ve been poking around where I shouldn’t have and I got caught. I never realized there were dangerous wizards in the Meadowlands. I thought we were safe out here.”

“We always need protection,” Rain said, but didn’t pry. Instead she directed a cloud of cooling mist over Clover’s face and body, instantly relieving the witch. “Well, was it worth it?” Rain asked after Clover had a few seconds to recover.

“It was totally worth it.” Not only had Clover discovered the decimated crops, but she found out that the Winters were experimenting with
poison
. If that wasn’t good enough for the Sheriff to investigate them, she didn’t know what was.

“Let me help you over to the fire and get you something to drink.”

The smoky scent of a campfire mixed with roasted coffee. When they rounded the corner of the wagon, she saw Henry Linder sitting by the fire, spelling up some fried eggs in a pan that was levitating over the flames. His gaze met hers and a wide smile bloomed across his face. “Clover, just in time for breakfast. Come on over.”

Rain guided her over to the fire. Clover was already feeling much better now that she was out from under the tent and away from the poisonous vines, but the thought of eating food right then turned her stomach. “Thanks, but I didn’t come to eat.” She hadn’t really come at all and had stumbled upon them while running from Grady. Still, she decided to join him by the fire for a few minutes to catch her breath and settle her nerves.

Jacob joined them around the fire. “At least have a cup of coffee,” he insisted and with a wave of his wand, a warm ceramic mug was suddenly hovering in the air in front of her. “Best coffee in the Meadowlands. Grind the beans myself.”

She took the mug and a big sip of the coffee, which she had to admit was delicious and surprisingly soothing. Perhaps it was the company.

“Clover had a run-in this morning,” Rain said.

“Anything we can help with?” Henry asked, tossing Rusty a bit of fried bacon.

Clover thought about it for a second. “Well, now that you mention it, I could use a little help. I’d like to buy some of your magical orbs.”

Jacob’s brow rose and his smile widened into a big-mouthed grin. “Having another party, are you?”

“Not exactly a party, but a witch never knows when she might need a few distractions.” Clover wasn’t a fighter. Attack spells weren’t her thing, and the charms on her bracelet weren’t always applicable to the situation, but a few magical firecrackers and illusions could be what she needed, especially after her morning run-in with Grady. The town was filled with surprises and she wanted to be ready. “Can you help me?”

“You have no idea. I’ve got just the thing for a little fun. Come on. Let me show you a few of our latest orbs,” Jacob said and handed his brother his coffee mug.

After sifting through many different fireworks, firecrackers, flying illusion orbs, and a giant dragon cannon, which was bigger than her head, Clover bought two small orbs and secured them in her satchel. Rain glided up to her and handed her another one that looked like a swirling blue egg. “It’s one I’ve been working on to channel water, like a rainstorm. It’s kind of like an elemental sphere but a lot less powerful. Give it a try.”

“Thanks, I will. Especially when it gets really dry this summer and my garden needs a good soaking.”

She thanked them and headed home with Rusty trotting by her side. Moments like that made her happy to live around kind and considerate witches and wizards and reinforced the fact that not all those in Everland were ruthlessly out for themselves.

20

O
nce she was home, Clover stripped out of her dirty jeans and changed into cropped pants, flats, and a short-sleeved blouse. She pulled her long curly hair up into a loose knot on the top of her head and left a few curls dangling, framing her face. While she was getting ready, a knock sounded on the door. A messenger wizard named Bo, who’d delivered letters to her house a few times before, stood on her front porch. Clover took the note and gave him a tip before he hurried off.

The letter was from the sheriff’s station. Derek’s hearing had been pushed back.
Shoot,
she thought. Best-case scenario, he wouldn’t be out on bail until later that afternoon or evening. She hated the thought of him being locked up any longer than he had to, but that was what he got for being stubborn and not letting her come clean. No time to worry now. She slipped the letter into a drawer, for she had bigger things to focus on. It was time for her to head next door and case out the event of the year—the navigating of the labyrinth.

Oliver’s yard was teeming with witches and wizards. Tight groups huddled around chatting and clutching cups of lemonade. Many had come to participate, but even more had come to gawk, spreading out blankets and setting up chairs. A few local businesses had set up stands to sell their goods, including the Dairy Maids who were selling ice cream cones. Leave it to local business witches to find a way to make a little extra gold. Steering clear of the Sugar Snap Farms booth, Clover luckily didn’t see Gwen or Pete at the booth, but it was only a matter of time before Grady reported to his wife what went down at their farm that morning, and Clover was not looking forward to that fight. Her main mission was to find the sheriff or Juniper and tell them what she’d discovered at the Winters’ farm.

Even more surprising than the huge attendance was the crowd of witches who had come to claim the inheritance. There had to be at least a dozen witches prepping to navigate the labyrinth. Dressed in rugged shoes, hair tucked under caps, a few of the witches carried magical maps and compasses, and all of them had their wands clutched tightly in their hands. Some wore enchanted charm bracelets and amulets, which were most likely loaded with magical spells to cast in a moment’s notice. Grinning with excitement, Dovy and Cookie hovered near the front of the group, as well as many witches Clover had never even seen before.

Felicity stood on the outskirts of the crowd, her face set with determined calm.

“How are you doing?” Clover asked with a sympathetic smile.

“I’m ready,” she croaked and cleared her throat. “I know my purpose now. It’s to own the labyrinth and continue Oliver’s legacy.”

“I’m sure you’ll manage the labyrinth with no problem. You knew Oliver and his way of doing magic better than anyone else here,” Clover said, encouraging the determined witch.

“It’s my destiny. I’m stronger than I’ve ever been.” A spark of confidence flickered in her eyes.

Clover couldn’t help but think about what she’d learned at the wand shop. “I need to warn you about something. I found Oliver’s wand at my house. He must have left it after the party. Felicity, he’d been performing dangerous magic, strange spells from what Wyeland Crane told me. You don’t think he would try to hurt anyone, do you?” Clover wanted Felicity to be prepared for whatever Oliver had woven into his mysterious maze.

Felicity’s brow creased. “Never, not Oliver. I realize he came off gruff in person, but he would never hurt anyone on purpose. He was a good wizard at heart, if not on the surface.”

“I’m sure he was, but be careful.”

“Don’t worry about me. Today is a rite of passage. I’m going to prove to the witching world that I’m Oliver’s one true love.” Felicity fingered a tiger-eye amulet that hung on a leather cord around her neck. “You’ve been so kind to me, Clover, like a true sister. I won’t forget your support.”

“It’s nothing. We all need help now and again. I’m glad to be a friendly face.” Clover glanced around. “I was looking for the sheriff or Juniper. Have you seen them?”

“Not yet. But it looks like a big crowd.” Her eyes narrowed. “A bunch of opportunists. I’m going to beat them all.” She checked her belt and patted a gleaming dark oak wand in her hand.

“Is that new? I saw a ton of gorgeous wands at Wildwoods,” Clover said.

“Yes, it is. I can’t find my old one. I must have lost it somewhere.”

“I didn’t find it at my party. I only found two, one was…” Clover stopped herself, a thought on the tip of her tongue.

“One was what?” Felicity asked, but before Clover could answer Wilford Rutherford raised his wand, sending a pulse of sound through the crowd, drawing everyone’s attention.

The wizard waved his arms in the air. “Gather round. We’re about to get started with the event. If you plan to navigate the labyrinth and make a claim for the inheritance and have not already signed in, please do so up here on the porch. We will be running the maze in three heats of four witches each, giving everyone a fair shot at navigating the labyrinth.”

The stressed witch who worked at his office was seated to his side at a small table covered in rolls of parchment and an ink bottle, a huge plumed feather quill in her hand drifting above the page.

The crowd buzzed with excitement and shifted forward. Austin stood stoically on the porch with his hands in his pockets, scanning the crowd. His brow was knitted, his expression somewhere between exhaustion and annoyance.

Wilford continued, “The rules are as follows: four witches will enter, one at a time. The heats will follow every fifteen minutes. There is to be no contact between the witches. No assisting, no teams or teamwork, no hindering or hurting another witch. No contact at all. Consider yourselves alone. If you need assistance or desire to end your attempt, send up a beacon and the sheriff or one of his officers will enter the labyrinth to help you out. Once a beacon goes up, you are no longer in the running and forfeit any claim to the inheritance. Are there any questions?” He eyed the contestants.

With a shrewd smile on her face, Gwen Winters raised her hand and the lawyer nodded. “I’ve heard an alarming story that a witch was injured in the labyrinth. Can you guarantee that the labyrinth is safe?”

A rush of whispers spread from witch to witch.

Clover made a little harrumph sound.
Gwen doesn’t care about the witches. She only cares about getting the land for herself and tearing down the labyrinth. If one of the witches claims the inheritance, then she’s out of luck. Talk about self-serving.

The sheriff stepped forward. “It’s just the labyrinth. It’s a yearly tradition that’s had minimal incidents over the years. There was one injury in dozens of attempts. I’d say that’s a sound record. It’s a fun but tough maze. Everyone knows that and has known for years. I’ve even tried to navigate it a few times myself.”

Wilford cleared his throat. “No, we cannot guarantee anything. The witches entering the labyrinth understand the risks and take on all liability. I can tell you that our esteemed sheriff and his team have run numerous tests on the labyrinth, detecting no black magic or sorcery of any kind. It is as safe as we can tell. But make no mistake, there is risk involved.”

Clover raised her hand and spoke. “So you’re saying that a witch entering the labyrinth could get hurt?”

Felicity elbowed her. “What are you doing?”

“Making sure everyone knows what’s going on,” she mumbled.

“Well, shut your mouth before they end the event.”

Wilford responded, “We have no idea how each witch will react when she encounters the spells inside. It is a risk, and they all signed waivers to enter. This is a private event and you are all here as guests, including the sheriff’s department. Anyone with fears is free to leave.”

“He’s a lawyer through and through,” Clover said under her breath.

Felicity shot her an angry glare. “He’s right. But hopefully this little scare tactic of Gwen’s will get some of the charlatans to leave.”

“Let’s have the first group to the entrance. All others please stay back and give the witches room.”

An immense black wrought-iron gate marked the entrance to the enchanted maze. Scrollwork vines were woven in a tight grid. Wilford checked the first group off on his parchment and the four witches prepared to enter. All four were local witches who Clover recognized, but didn’t know personally.

“Do you know them?” Clover asked Felicity.

“Two are part of a horticulture club that Oliver belonged to and the other two are labyrinth groupies.” Felicity rolled her eyes.

“The labyrinth has groupies?” Clover had no idea it was that popular.

“You’d be surprised at some of the letters Oliver had gotten over the years from adoring fans. It’s a little creepy, if you ask me, but some witches love the maze.”

“Witches at the ready.” Wilford raised his wand in the air.

Austin pulled the large key from the box and inserted it into the lock. The lock made a loud grinding sound and magical sparks flew when it released and the gate swung wide. A chill went up Clover’s spine. A cool breeze flooded the yard and the crowd gasped. Clover’s mind drifted back to Austin grabbing her arm, warning her to stay away from the labyrinth, and now he was encouraging witches to enter. She wondered what had changed for him.

The first witch cautiously entered the maze, followed in turn by the other three.

“When are you up?” Clover asked Felicity.

“I’m in the third heat. If you don’t mind, I’m going to clear my head for a few minutes and get ready to go in.” Felicity drifted off.

Clover cased the garden and decided to approach the sheriff and Juniper. He was stationed at the gate with Austin and Wilford while Juniper was directing numerous officers who had taken up positions around the labyrinth. She waved at Juniper who shook her head and mouthed the words, “Not now.”

Undeterred, Clover eased over to her. “I need a minute. This is serious. It’s about the case and it can’t wait.”

Juniper excused herself and joined Clover, who filled her in on what she’d discovered at Sugar Snap Farms and her nasty encounter with Grady. Juniper listened intently and then spoke with the sheriff. Within minutes, Juniper, the sheriff, and another officer surrounded Clover.

“These are serious charges, Clover,” Lance said. “I’m sending some officers to the farm now to investigate your claims and speak with Grady.”

“You may have just broken this case wide open,” Juniper said. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

The sheriff waved Gwen over. “May we have a word? Clover has some alarming news.”

“Certainly.” Gwen gave Clover a highly annoyed and thinly veiled smile. “I thought I’d see you here. You just can’t stay out of other witches’ business, can you?”

“Nope. Especially when it’s right next door.”

“There’s been an incident at your farm this morning and I’m going to have to ask you to come with me down to the station to answer some questions. If you don’t mind.”

Gwen held her chin high with an air of defiance. “This is ridiculous nonsense. I don’t know what she’s told you, but it’s all lies. My husband and I are upstanding citizens. Unless you have a warrant, don’t step one toe on my land,” she warned.

Anger bubbled up in Clover. “Enough, Gwen. I know about the bad spellcraft, the backfire, and your decimated crops. This is your chance to turn yourself into the sheriff,” Clover said. Being surrounded by law enforcement buoyed her confidence.

“Turn myself in,” she scoffed. “For what? The backfired spell that destroyed my crops was a tragedy, but it wasn’t illegal.” Gwen gritted her teeth.

Clover wasn’t backing down. “For poisoning Oliver Yearling. Whatever spellcraft you’re doing on your crops is poisonous. I’d bet you did the same thing to Oliver to get him out of the way.” Energy surged through her.
Had she really just solved Oliver’s murder?

But before anyone could react, a loud booming sound shook the ground and a glowing beacon rose up in the sky over the labyrinth. Clover craned her neck, but couldn’t see what was happening over the crowd.

“Looks like you’ve got a witch down,” Gwen said. “I knew this was a mistake.”

Clover raced over to the labyrinth to see what had happened, but by the time she got there, Juniper was assisting both of the labyrinth groupies out of the main gate. Their faces were smudged with dirt, their eyes wide and disoriented. One had a flapping bird caught in her hair and her arms were covered in scratches. Juniper waved her wand and stunned the creature in order to untangle it before it could hurt itself or the witch.

“That was fast. Already giving up?!” a witch from the crowd yelled, urging on the spectacle.

“How was it?” someone else asked.

“Beautiful. Terribly beautiful,” one of the witches said through trembling lips and bumped into another officer who’d run over to help.

The other labyrinth groupie said, “It’s not like I imagined. It’s dark inside. The light from the sky isn’t real anymore and the ground moves and there are strange creatures in there that I’ve never seen before.”

“She needs a healer right away!” Gwen yelled and pointed to the sheriff. “You’re responsible if something happens to anyone. This event should be stopped immediately.”

Sheriff Gardener strode over. “Everyone relax. The second heat has just gone in. That leaves us with six witches currently navigating the maze.”

Another beacon lit up the sky and another witch was assisted out. This time it was one of the members of Oliver’s horticulture club. Her arms were covered in sticky white foam and black feathers and gritty sand. There was a gash over one of her eyebrows. She was mumbling as an officer hurried her through the crowd and over to a healer’s tent. “It’s not Oliver’s design. It’s not his work. He wouldn’t do this. You must tell someone.”

Something was definitely not right. The labyrinth was no joke, but rarely were witches injured. Austin paced by the gate. Clover turned to confront him. The test had gone on long enough. “What are you going to do?” Clover asked. She was starting to believe that Gwen was right and it was time to stop the event.

“Cancel the rest of the heats,” Austin said, under the stern gaze of the sheriff. “We’ve done enough to honor my father’s wishes.”

Wilford’s face was red and awash in sweat. “You’re right. I did my best by him. But this is enough. I had no idea what was inside.” His eyes welled with concern. “We have to end it.”

Felicity shot to the front of the crowd and launched herself at Wilford. “You can’t! That’s not fair!” She grabbed his hands, pleading. “Please let me inside. Give me a chance to prove my worthiness.”

Austin stiffened at her words. “We’ve already had three witches from your heat drop out. They were probably scared off by the beacons. Face it, Felicity, the labyrinth is unstable. Cuts and scratches are one thing, but we must stop before someone gets seriously hurt.”