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

  Hannah swallowed hard and nodded. “I think you’re right.”

  Jenn picked that moment to return to the table, the wine and water pitcher on a tray. “Is something wrong?” she asked, her smile never slipping.

  “Actually, Hannah isn’t feeling well,” Cooper replied, forcing a smile that he didn’t feel. “I’m going to get her home. I’ll pay for the appetizers and wine, though. I apologize for any inconvenience.”

  “It’s not an inconvenience.” If Jenn noticed anything odd about what was happening on the patio, she didn’t show it. “We can pack up the appetizers so you can take them with you if you like.”

  “That won’t be necessary.” Cooper dug inside his wallet until he came up with a fifty-dollar bill. “This should cover everything.” He dropped the money on the table and immediately reached for Hannah. “Come on, baby. I’ll get you home.”

  Hannah’s heart pounded as she reached for his hand. “That sounds good.”

  “But you haven’t even tried the specials yet,” Jenn called out to them as they scampered across the patio. “Did you hear that, boss? They don’t even want to try the specials.”

  Slowly, Cooper turned to see who Jenn was talking to. He wasn’t surprised when his gaze fell on the lone man at the center of the restaurant. The man continued chewing, although he’d slowed down considerably. “Is that a fact?”

  “Hannah ... .” Cooper tried to push her behind him, but she was too interested in what was happening on the patio to pay him much heed.

  “Look.” She pointed toward one of the nearby tables. “When he stops eating, they stop eating.”

  Cooper hadn’t noticed that until she pointed it out, and now he was fascinated. The individuals in question remained in their chairs, glazed looks over their faces, and waited for further instructions ... as if they were under a spell. “We need to get out of here.”

  “We can’t.” Hannah vehemently shook her head. “If we leave, these people will die.” She gestured toward the individuals at the tables, none of whom were making noise to leave.

  “Are you saying he’s going to force them to eat until they die?” Cooper was determined to keep Hannah close, so when she poked her head over his shoulder to study the main man in the center of the room, he tried to puff himself out to cover her.

  “That’s exactly what I’m saying.” She was having none of his protective instincts and pushed him to the side so she could stare down the man with the huge plates of food. “What are you?”

  “I can still get you those appetizers to go,” Jenn offered brightly. “The food is good. I promise you that. We have a world-class chef, and in a few decades, he’ll have paid off his debt and be able to wow the world.”

  Hannah ignored the waitress. “You’re some sort of monster,” she said, licking her lips as she regarded the man. So far he hadn’t said another word ... although the glare he directed at Hannah spoke volumes. “You’re ... an eating monster or something.”

  The man shifted his impressive bulk and leaned back in his chair. He didn’t bother to pick up the napkin on the table to wipe the food from his mouth. Apparently he didn’t care. “Nobody cares what you think, witch,” he said finally, his voice a low rumble.

  “Hannah.” Cooper felt out of his depth and wanted nothing more than to escape, Hannah at his side, and give careful consideration to what was happening. That didn’t seem to be an option, though.

  “What are you?” Hannah was fascinated despite herself. “You’re not the same man I saw at the town.”

  “No, I’m not.”

  “You’re ... the same and yet different.” Hannah’s mind was busy with possibilities. “He fueled anger and you fuel hunger. It’s like you’re ... .”

  “Sins?” the man asked, his smile deepening.

  That’s when the final piece slipped into place for Hannah. “The seven deadly sins. Seven strands of a nexus.”

  The second part of the statement clearly caught the man off guard because he made a face. “Who mentioned the nexus to you?”

  “It doesn’t matter,” Cooper replied, crowding Hannah toward the door. “We’re leaving.”

  “Oh, you’re not leaving.” The man who inspired gluttony hoisted himself onto his feet and moved his hands, signifying the others in the restaurant should also stand. They did as one, as if their minds were already gone. “I can’t just let you leave. That’s not ... very smart.”

  “We’re leaving.” Cooper was firm as he gave Hannah a solid shove. “Right now, Hannah. We cannot stay.”

  Hannah clearly wanted to argue because she opened her mouth. Unfortunately for both of them, it was too late to escape.

  “If you’re truly hungry, my friends,” the big man intoned, “I think I know a little something you can eat.” He inclined his head toward Cooper and Hannah. “They might look gristly, but I bet they taste delicious.”

  “Holy ... .” Cooper’s heart dropped to his stomach and he automatically looked around for a weapon to use. In the heat of the moment, he’d forgotten Hannah was a weapon.

  She didn’t, though.

  Hannah raised her hands, her fingers igniting in a flash of pink. She never understood how to call the magic. It mostly happened in moments where she was terrified and her mind (and body, for that matter) simply reacted. That’s what happened now.

  “You can’t take me,” the man warned when he saw the glowing orbs circling her hands. “You’re a new witch. Everybody knows that. You don’t have the power.” The words were barely out of his mouth when the restaurant patrons attacked.

  “Hannah!” Cooper was desperate to keep her safe, although they were woefully outnumbered and his gun was locked in his truck downstairs.

  Her magic was already in motion as the customers closed the distance, her hands blurring as an explosion of magic erupted from her fingertips. It was only then, with the magic finally showing its full form, that the man realized what he was dealing with.

  “Oh, my,” Jenn muttered, quickly turning on her heel and covering her face. She seemed to understand what was coming.

  “No!” The man tried to throw up a shield, but it was already too late. Hannah’s magic ripped through the feeble attempt as if it had never been conjured in the first place, and when the magic bolts hit him, he went rigid as his eyes rolled back in his head.

  Fascinated, Cooper watched as the huge man’s body went completely still. As he fell backward, he started to fray at the edges, and by the time he hit the ground, he was nothing more than a massive pile of dust.

  The moment he broke apart, the spell on the patrons shredded, too, and the attack they were mounting fell by the wayside as couples turned to each other to express words of confusion ... and dismay.

  “Why is there food all over my dress?” someone yelled. “I mean ... what the hell?”

  Hannah lowered her hands, her eyes automatically going to the spot where Jenn had crouched only seconds before. She was gone, as was all evidence that something bad was about to happen.

  “That was ... interesting,” Cooper said, his arm automatically moving around Hannah’s waist as he pulled her close. “I didn’t expect that.”

  “Me either.” Hannah worked her jaw, her heart pounding hard as blood rushed through her ears. “We should get out of here.”

  “You read my mind.”

  10

  Ten

  Cooper kept checking the rearview mirror as they drove away from the restaurant. He couldn’t get what happened out of his mind. Next to him, Hannah was largely quiet, her attention focused out the window.

  He had no idea what to say. He didn’t consider himself a chatty guy on a normal day, but now he was completely bereft of words. Still, he knew exactly where to go, and he was on autopilot as he navigated the residential streets.

  Finally, Hannah stirred when she realized she had no idea where they were. “Are you trying to see if we have a tail or something?”

  He shook his head as he pulled into a driveway. “No. Ther
e’s someone I want to talk to.”

  Hannah was taken aback. “Now? I ... .” She trailed off when a teenaged girl poked her head outside the front door of the nondescript house. “I don’t understand.”

  “Cooper?” The girl looked positively giddy to see the man behind the wheel of the truck as she hopped out of the house. “What are you doing?”

  Hannah was frozen in confusion until a familiar figure moved into the open doorway behind the girl. Boone. “Oh.” Understanding washed over her. “You want to tell him what happened.”

  “I think that’s probably best,” Cooper agreed, killing the engine of the truck. “Are you okay to go in there?”

  She nodded and automatically reached for her seatbelt. “Yeah. Is that Boone’s daughter?”

  Cooper nodded, his lips curving. “Lindsey. She’s ... a typical teenager. You might like her, though.”

  “I’m sure I will.” Hannah took a moment to look herself over, check her clothes, and then followed Cooper to the front porch. She watched with amusement as the flirty teenager threw her arms around his neck.

  “It’s been so long since you visited,” Lindsey enthused. “I can’t believe you’re actually here ... and with a date.” Her eyes flicked to Hannah and there was a dollop of unhappiness reflected in the brown seas. “You must be Hannah.”

  Hannah nodded. “You must be Lindsey. I’ve heard a lot about you.” She extended her hand.

  Lindsey stared for a long beat and then straightened when her father cleared his throat behind her. “Unfortunately, I’ve heard a lot about you, too,” Lindsey said, clasping Hannah’s hand limply. “I kind of wish I had never heard of you. No offense.”

  Hannah was confused. “I ... don’t understand.”

  “Ignore her,” Boone grumbled, making a face. His eyes immediately went to Cooper. “I’m assuming you’re not here to spread good news since you guys had a hot date and it’s not even seven o’clock yet.”

  “Something happened,” Cooper confirmed.

  Hannah’s attention was still on Lindsey. “Why don’t you want to know me?” She felt inexplicably hurt and she couldn’t explain it.

  “Because you stole my boyfriend,” Lindsey replied, a cheeky grin appearing. “I’m crushed beyond belief. I mean ... you broke my heart by stealing my man.”

  Hannah pressed her lips together, amused despite the serious nature of the situation. “Oh.”

  On the sidewalk next to Hannah, Cooper shifted from one foot to the other, uncomfortable. “I wasn’t her boyfriend.”

  “Lindsey only wishes,” Boone supplied. “She’s become ... obsessed ... ever since she first met him.”

  “I was thirteen,” Lindsey explained, using her hip to wedge herself between Hannah and Cooper and snaking her arm through Hannah’s so she could lead her to the house. “Dad brought him home because they were working on some case together ... and it was tragic how fast I fell in love with him. Alas, he never looked at me the same way. Apparently he was saving it all for you.”

  Boone flicked his daughter’s ear as the teenager moved past him, mischief practically stamped across her forehead. “What girl your age says ‘alas’? I mean ... can’t you act normal? You’re embarrassing.”

  Lindsey’s eyes lit up at the admonishment. “We have that in common since you embarrass me every single day when you drop me off at school.”

  “It’s a father’s job to embarrass his offspring,” Boone argued as he followed his daughter into the house, holding the door open so Cooper could bring up the rear. “Kids aren’t supposed to embarrass their parents.”

  “Get with the program,” Lindsey trilled. “It’s a brave new world, Daddy-o. You’re going to have to get used to it. I’m a strong woman and I don’t follow trends.”

  “I know.” Boone rolled his eyes, making Hannah smile. He reminded her of her father, who also claimed embarrassment over her antics when she was the same age. “You set trends. I’ve got it.”

  “And don’t you forget it.” Lindsey winked at her father and then dragged Hannah to the kitchen. “Come on. I’ll get you some tea. You look pale. Then you can tell me all about Cooper and how he looks naked. I’ve seen him with his shirt off when he’s been over here helping Dad with yard work, but I’m betting you’ve seen more ... and it’s probably glorious.”

  Hannah’s cheeks colored with mortification. “I ... .”

  “Leave her alone, Lindsey,” Boone admonished, although not without a fond smile. “She’s not telling you anything about her time with Cooper.”

  “You don’t know,” Lindsey fired back. “She might want to tell me. Right?” Her gaze was imploring and Hannah felt like she should throw her a bone.

  “He snores when he’s really tired and occasionally jerks his feet like a dog having a dream about a bone,” Hannah offered.

  “Ha!” Lindsey clapped her hands, delighted. “That’s not exactly what I’m looking for, but I’ll take it.” She slid her eyes to Cooper. “I can’t believe you snore. That’s so ... disappointing.”

  Cooper rolled his eyes. He was used to Lindsey’s gregarious nature and was unfazed by her attitude. “You’ll live.” He put his hand to Hannah’s back and directed her toward the table. “I know this is going to go over like a lead balloon, but it’s probably best if you go upstairs and do your homework or something. Hannah and I need to talk to your father. Alone.”

  If Lindsey was bothered by Cooper’s pointed declaration, she didn’t show it. “I’m good.”

  “No, you’re not,” Boone countered. “I happen to know you have an English paper due tomorrow and you’re only halfway done.”

  Lindsey’s lower lip jutted out. “But ... we have guests.”

  “And you’ll see them again.” Boone was firm. “You need to do your homework. I’m guessing that if Cooper and Hannah felt the need to stop here at this time of day that this is a work visit, which means you don’t have a place in this particular conversation.”

  Hannah didn’t miss the momentary flash of hurt in Lindsey’s eyes and she felt the need to reach out to the girl. “I’m sorry,” she offered ruefully. “It’s just one of those things that has to be kept secret.”

  “It’s not your fault,” Lindsey replied breezily, recovering quickly. “I bet if it was just you, I would already know. You look like a giver. These two, though ... .” She flicked her finger between her father and Cooper, offering each a dark look. “I’m not going to forget this. I hope you know that.”

  “We’ve been duly informed,” Boone reassured her. “Now ... go.”

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Lindsey offered up a small wave for Hannah’s benefit before blowing a hilarious kiss in Cooper’s direction. She stomped her feet as she disappeared down the hallway toward her room.

  “So, something weird happened at the lake restaurant,” Cooper started.

  Boone held up a finger to silence him. “One second.” He cocked his head, listening, and then sighed. “Stop eavesdropping, Lindsey, and get your behind in that room. If I catch you listening, I’m taking your phone away for a week.”

  Hannah’s eyebrows hopped when she heard a distinctly teenage protest. “Ugh. You’re zero fun.”

  The next sound that filled the house was a slamming door. Still not satisfied, Boone moved so he could see the hallway in question and then bobbed his head. “Sorry. I guarantee I don’t want her hearing this, though. She’ll spread it all around town if she gets the chance.”

  Hannah was amused despite herself. “I like her. She’s ... fun.”

  “Of course you like her. She’s like you.” Boone smiled to let Hannah know he was kidding and then focused on Cooper. “This must be bad for you to come to the house like this. I’m almost terrified to ask but ... what is it?”

  Cooper was clinical when he told the story, laying everything out in intricate detail. When he was finished, Boone was utterly flabbergasted ... and animated.

  “What the ... ?” He let loose a string of curse words that made Hannah’s
ears tingle. “I can’t believe that actually happened,” he said when he recovered.

  “Well, it happened,” Cooper said. “I’m pretty sure Hannah and I are never going to eat again after that showing, which is too bad, because I was starving when we went in there.”

  “Me, too.” Hannah pressed her hand against her flat stomach. “Now I feel ... hollow. I don’t know how to explain it.”

  “I have leftovers here,” Boone offered. “Lindsey made soup in the crockpot.”

  “It’s a nice offer, but I don’t think either of us is hungry,” Cooper said dryly. “I know it won’t last but ... ugh.” He involuntarily shuddered. “I swear, you’ve never seen anything like it.”

  “It sounds like it.” Boone reached over and rubbed Hannah’s shoulder as he considered the story. “What do you think it means?”

  “I have no idea.” Cooper held out his hands and shrugged. “I’m fairly certain we’re dealing with more than one entity, though. I mean ... Hannah saw a completely different man in town.”

  “Do we think this guy you saw was the owner of the restaurant?”

  “I ... don’t know.” Cooper cocked his head, considering. “The waitress who disappeared called him ‘boss,’ but that doesn’t necessarily mean anything.”

  “No.” Boone pursed his lips and then moved to the iPad resting on the counter. “The local newspaper did a story when that place opened up. They had a photo of the owner. Hold on.” His brow furrowed as he searched for the article in question. It took him a few moments to find it. “Here. Is this the guy you saw?”

  Cooper immediately started shaking his head when he got a gander at the photograph. “No way. The guy we saw could’ve eaten that guy in a single sitting.”

  “That’s a lovely visual you’re painting,” Boone said dryly. “I don’t know what to make of any of this. What are the odds we’re only dealing with two people?”

  “Not good,” Hannah answered. “I’m pretty sure we’re dealing with seven.”