The Monstrous Seven (A Hannah Hickok Witchy Mystery Book 4) Read online

  The Monstrous Seven

  A Hannah Hickok Witchy Mystery Book Four

  Lily Harper Hart

  HarperHart Publications

  Copyright © 2020 by Lily Harper Hart

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Created with Vellum

  Contents

  1. One

  2. Two

  3. Three

  4. Four

  5. Five

  6. Six

  7. Seven

  8. Eight

  9. Nine

  10. Ten

  11. Eleven

  12. Twelve

  13. Thirteen

  14. Fourteen

  15. Fifteen

  16. Sixteen

  17. Seventeen

  18. Eighteen

  19. Nineteen

  Mail List

  Acknowledgments

  Books by Lily Harper Hart

  1

  One

  “What’s your background in bartending?”

  Hannah Hickok felt out of sorts as she tried to maintain an air of professional interest while, at the same time, wearing a uniform that put her ample assets on display in a rather obvious way.

  Lorna Jacobs was twenty-six and was built like a porn star from what Hannah could tell. She obviously had the body to carry off the Casper Creek saloon uniform, but Hannah wasn’t in the mood to hire someone who would only stick around for a few months before taking off for greener pastures. She wanted someone who would stick around for a bit, and she wasn’t sure Lorna was a smart choice.

  “I’ve worked as a mixologist in three different bars in this area,” Lorna volunteered, her smile pleasant as she sat with perfect posture in her chair, her shoulders squared and a bright smile on her face. Her body was angled so her low-cut top allowed for a clear view at her impressive cleavage, and her eyes were bright and clear as they bounced between Hannah and Cooper Wyatt, the man who served as head of security at Casper Creek. He was helping with the hiring process, something he normally wouldn’t be involved in, but since Hannah felt out of her element — and they were already mired in a torrid relationship that made both of their heads foggy at times — he’d readily agreed to help, if only so they could spend time together.

  “You’re young to have already had three jobs,” Cooper noted, jotting the information down in a notebook.

  “I’m twenty-six,” Lorna countered. “I’ve been bartending since I was twenty-one. The first job was a seasonal gig on a golf course. I got in at the entry level, but when they cut staff during the winter months, I was a casualty. I went out and got another job, although they wanted me back on the golf course the next summer. I didn’t want to keep getting new jobs in the off-season, though, so I kept the new job rather than return.”

  “And you were there for two years?” Cooper studied the résumé he’d been provided. “May I ask why you left that facility?”

  Lorna shrugged, noncommittal. “I had my reasons.”

  Hannah studied the woman with great interest, trying to ascertain what secret she was keeping ... and Hannah was convinced there was a secret. The question appeared to make Lorna visibly uncomfortable, and Hannah was dying to know the reason.

  “You had a problem with your boss,” Hannah surmised out of nowhere, causing Lorna’s eyes to flash. “He was married and pursued you.”

  Lorna’s mouth dropped open. “How can you possibly know that?”

  It was only then that Hannah realized she was making an ass of herself. In addition to being the owner of Casper Creek, a cosplay Western town a grandmother she didn’t even know left her upon her death, she had also recently realized she was a witch. With magic powers and everything. She inherited that ability from her grandmother, too, and apparently it included the ability to pick up stray surface thoughts when the mood struck.

  “It was just a guess,” Hannah lied quickly, averting her gaze. She couldn’t believe she’d been so stupid as to simply blurt that out.

  “Hannah is an old soul,” Cooper explained quickly. He was well aware of his girlfriend’s abilities. He was also aware that she felt like an idiot for speaking out of turn ... especially when it came to something as touchy as sexual harassment. “She can pick up on the emotions of others without even realizing it.”

  Cooper was handsome — criminally so in Hannah’s eyes — and he had an easygoing nature that put newcomers at ease. The smile he sent Lorna was friendly, but in a remote way. It was obvious to Hannah he was already looking for a reason to end the interview.

  “Well, I guess that’s ... okay.” Lorna’s forehead wrinkled as she glanced between faces, dubious. “I just don’t really talk about it. I had to put up with a lot from him because I had bills to pay and didn’t want to lose my job. Eventually, it got to be too much and I had to leave ... although it wasn’t an easy transition. His wife accused me of going after him, which wasn’t true, and it turned into a thing.”

  Hannah clucked her tongue sympathetically. “I’m sorry that happened.”

  “You and me both.”

  “You wouldn’t have to worry about that here,” Hannah promised. “We don’t have people like that in charge. Right now, technically I’m in charge of the bar and I guarantee I won’t sexually harass you.”

  Lorna looked tickled despite herself. “Well ... I’m glad I won’t be sexually harassed. Not that you’re not pretty or anything. I mean ... you’re very pretty. Wait, that totally came out wrong.”

  Amused despite himself, Cooper rubbed his forehead and tried to redirect the conversation to something of substance. “The goal is to find a bartender that can be trained for our needs here, and then put that individual in charge of hiring another bartender. Hannah works the bar quite often now, but she wants to branch out.”

  “I would definitely love to run the bar,” Lorna enthused, her eyes sparkling. “I was in charge of hiring at my last job.”

  “And why did you leave that establishment?” Cooper queried.

  “Because it burned down. It was the Lone Star Bar and Grill out on the highway.”

  “Oh, right.” Cooper racked his memory for specifics on the story. “That was a few weeks ago, right?”

  Lorna nodded, her expression turning dark. “Yeah. I warned the owner there was something wrong with the plug behind the bar, but he wouldn’t listen. He was cheap, didn’t want to spend the money to have it fixed ... and it took out the entire restaurant in the overnight hours. I heard the fire investigator talking and he said that outlet was the cause of everything.”

  “Wow.” Cooper shook his head. “I’d eaten at that place a few times. It had good steaks. I’m sorry that happened.”

  “Yeah, well, I’m just explaining why I’m looking for a job,” Lorna said. “I honestly am extremely loyal. I don’t want you to think otherwise. I’ve always loved this place. I think I would be a good addition.”

  Cooper smiled and nodded. “I think you would, too. We’ve had a few people apply. You’re our last interview, though. We’re going to discuss things and then get back to you within the next thirty-six hours or so. Does that work for you?”

  Lorna immediately started bobbing her head. “Oh, yeah. That sounds great.” She turned her smile to Hannah. “I would absolutely love to work up here. I met your grandmother a few times. I mentioned wanting to be a bartender to her when I was in college and she said
I needed to get a little seasoning before I applied up here.”

  “I didn’t realize you knew my grandmother,” Hannah said.

  “She was a lovely woman.”

  Since Hannah hadn’t known her in life — only death — she could do nothing but nod. “Everybody appeared to love her.”

  Cooper helped Lorna gather her things and showed her through the front swinging doors of the saloon. There were people milling about Casper Creek, although it was only a small crowd. It had been a full day earlier, with three rounds of tourists riding the ski lift to the top of the mountain, but only a few people remained milling about. Cooper and Hannah had been conducting interviews after work all week. Lorna was the last one, and they were both relieved to be done with it.

  “I liked her,” Cooper announced as he turned back to the table where Hannah sat. “I think she’s organized and will be good when it comes to training and leading others.”

  “I think you liked the way her shirt fit,” Hannah teased, causing Cooper to make a face. “I bet she looks good in the uniform ... although I’m considering changing the uniforms. I don’t like them.” As if to prove it, she stared down at her off-the-shoulder blouse. “I very much doubt they showed this much skin in the olden days.”

  Despite himself, Cooper was amused. “The olden days?”

  “You know what I mean.”

  He playfully stalked over to her and planted his hands on the arms of her chair as he leaned close. “I happen to like the way the uniform looks on you.” His voice was a sexy whisper, which caused goose pimples to break out on Hannah’s arms.

  “I know,” she said, holding his gaze. “I think you might like the way Lorna looks even better, though.”

  He shook his head. “I guarantee that’s not possible.”

  “No?”

  “No.” He lowered his lips to hers, offering a potent kiss that wiped away every doubt she had, which were practically nonexistent anyway. When he finally pulled back, her cheeks were flushed and there was a wild look in her eyes. “I only like the way you look in that outfit,” he promised.

  “I’m still considering replacing them,” Hannah said as he sank into the seat next to her. “I’m going to do some research. There must be authentic clothing that doesn’t do ... this.” She gestured toward her chest for emphasis, causing Cooper to laugh.

  “I get why you don’t like the outfit,” he said as he recovered. “I mean ... you clearly hate it. The thing is, the men who visit Casper Creek love it. There’s a reason Abigail stuck with those uniforms even though the women who were forced to wear them constantly complained.”

  Hannah folded her arms over her chest, suddenly suspicious. “And what reason is that?”

  “Hey, don’t give me that look.” He extended a finger. “I’m not the one who picked the outfits. I’m simply explaining that Abigail had a reason to ultimately keep those uniforms despite the fact that you find them sexist.”

  “And what reason is that?”

  “Money.”

  Hannah stilled, his blunt reply catching her off guard. “Are you saying I won’t make money if I get rid of these uniforms?” Now she was legitimately confused. “I ... don’t understand.”

  “You’ll still make money,” he reassured her quickly. “I just don’t think you’ll make as much money from the saloon. And, as much as I wish the rest of the town pulled in huge gobs of cash on a daily basis, it’s the saloon and the souvenir stands pulling in the bulk of the money.”

  He was right. Hannah wanted to argue the point, say it was the history and re-enactments that drew people in, but the saloon was always the main draw. “So the outfits are what keep the saloon profitable,” she mused, disappointment etching into her face. “I guess I hadn’t considered that.”

  “Ugh.” Cooper made a growling sound as he shifted so his chair was closer to hers. “I’m sorry. I know you don’t want to hear that. It’s the truth, though. I ... am so sorry.” He felt helpless, didn’t know what to say.

  Hannah flashed a smile for his benefit. “It’s not your fault all men are pigs.”

  The statement was enough to elicit a genuine laugh from him. “I swear I only like the outfit on you.”

  “I’m pretty sure you would like me in any outfit.”

  “Or no outfit,” he added flirtatiously, grinning at the way the color returned to her cheeks. “Speaking of that, what do you say we get some takeout, head upstairs, and get you out of that outfit you hate so much?”

  They’d only officially been dating a few weeks. Despite that, they spent almost every night together. For some reason, from the moment they’d met, it was as if they were called to one another ... and there was no turning back for either of them.

  “You’re a smooth talker,” Hannah teased, poking his side. “We have to decide on a bartender first, though. We can’t keep putting off the decision. If I have to spend more than a few weeks behind this bar, I really am going to lose my mind.”

  Sympathy washed over Cooper. He knew she felt trapped in the saloon. The most recent bartender they’d hired had turned out to be a monster — literally — and he’d killed the other bartender, which meant they were down two bartenders and Hannah couldn’t leave her position, no matter how much she wanted it.

  “I’m sorry.” He stroked his hand over her flaxen hair. He understood better than anyone how much she wanted to try something new. “Maybe—” He broke off and licked his lips, glancing around the saloon. “Maybe I can take over at the bar for a few days this week to give you a little break.”

  Hannah was touched by the offer, but she couldn’t allow it. “You’re head of security. I’m pretty sure you have other duties.”

  “Yes, but you’re the owner. You’re allowed to designate jobs. I’m willing to help you get a break from this place.”

  He was so earnest it made Hannah smile. “I know you are.” She brushed her soft fingertips over his cheek. “If you’re in here slinging drinks, though, that means I’m going to want to be in here with you. How is that a break?”

  “Oh, so cute.” He turned his lips into the palm of her hand. “We’ll figure it out, Hannah.” He turned serious. “I know this is a lot for you to deal with — like, a lot — but it’s not always going to be like this. We’re just going through a rough patch.”

  “Really? I thought things were perfect with you and me. You’re saying there’s a rough patch, though. Maybe I’m confused.”

  He gave in and scowled at the teasing. “You and I are perfect,” he reassured her. “In fact, I never knew life could be so blissful. We’ve had weeks of quiet, which I appreciate because it means you and I can spend inordinate amounts of time together.”

  “I like it, too.”

  “Good.” He gave her another soft kiss and then tapped the stack of résumés. “You’re right about having to pick a bartender, though. The sooner we do that, the sooner we can get this individual trained and you can start job hopping.”

  “That sounds like a plan.” Hannah turned serious. “Who do you like?”

  “Lorna.” Cooper saw no reason to lie. “She’s experienced and, as you said, she’s going to draw in the male crowd.”

  “I kind of like Ray Simon,” Hannah hedged. “He’s thirty-two.”

  “I’m not sure why that’s important,” Cooper hedged.

  “Because that means he’s more settled and not as likely to be out partying every night. He’s looking for a career. He even said that. He’s all about the money because he wants to put it away for his retirement. When we explained about the head bartender position and training other people, he seemed excited.”

  “That might be because he’s an egomaniac or something.”

  “He didn’t seem like an egomaniac.”

  Now it was Cooper’s turn to be suspicious. “You didn’t find him hot or anything, did you?”

  The question, so out of the blue, made Hannah giggle. “Are you jealous?”

  “No. I don’t get jealous.” Even as he
said the words, Cooper wasn’t certain they were true. “I mean ... I just don’t get jealous.”

  “Oh, so cute.” Hannah lightly pinched his cheek and gave it a jiggle. “I feel so appreciated.”

  Cooper let loose a low growl. “I’m going to appreciate you until the wee hours of the morning if you keep it up.”

  “That’s not much of a punishment.”

  He smirked and leaned in to give her another kiss. He knew it was ridiculous — they were acting like teenagers for crying out loud — but he couldn’t stop himself. “You might be singing a different tune when I’m finished.”

  “I doubt it.”

  “Back to the bartenders.” Cooper tapped the stack of résumés again. “We really have to decide. Technically, I think any of the people who applied would be good for the job ... except that Chris Fletcher guy. I didn’t like him at all.”

  “Ugh. The one with the beard?” Hannah made a face. “Yeah, I didn’t like him either. He actually claimed that his doctor said he can’t ever be called out on bad behavior because he has a legitimate mental problem where he can’t be wrong. I mean ... that’s not a real thing, right?”

  “Not at all,” Cooper agreed. “He’s definitely out.” He searched through the stack until he found the résumé in question.

  “Maybe instead of ruling people out, we should just pick our favorites and debate them,” Hannah suggested.

  “Okay.” Cooper pulled out the résumés for Lorna and Ray. “Are these the only two we care about?”

  Hannah chewed on the inside of her cheek and then shook her head. “I also liked the Nikki Dobbs girl. I know she was young but there was something about her.”