Read Online Midsummer Night's Mayhem by Lauren Quick - Free Book Online Page B

field and a pale cloud formed above the basket and quickly took the shape of a young witch’s face. “Please come inside to retrieve your belongings. Clover or Derek will assist you,” the image said and then disappeared.
    “What’s this all about?” Clover jerked up on the swing, her lips pursing in annoyance. “Why do I think this has something to do with the investigation? I’m shocked Juniper didn’t confiscate the basket immediately.”
    “She went through it and documented everything inside. I swear she’s a miniature bloodhound in disguise. I have strict orders to record anyone who shows up to claim an item and report back to her so she can do a follow-up interview. That’s why I put the guardian spell on the basket, so we can keep a record. Not that I think the witch who left her ratty old shawl draped on a bush committed murder.”
    “Anything interesting in there?”
    A wicked smile curled up Derek’s lip. “Well, there were your typical bits of clothing, the shawl I mentioned, a hideous poncho, a stinky sandal, sunglasses, two wands, a string of tacky glass beads, and a harmonica. Nothing scandalous.”
    “Sounds harmless. But the wands are interesting. The owners will definitely be back sometime soon to claim them. I’m surprised Juniper didn’t confiscate them.”
    “She ran some tests, but the fingerprints were too smudged to identify. She wants to see if anyone comes back for them.”
    “There’s no such thing as a poison spell, so they aren’t the murder weapon. I’d like to know what kind of spells they performed last. That would tell us a lot.” Clover’s brow furrowed in thought. Magic always left a trail.
    Derek grimaced, not so easily convinced. “Exactly why a killer wouldn’t leave his or her wand on the ground. I don’t think a murderer would accidentally misplace his wand. But I guess you never know.” He shrugged. “You’re always losing yours. Maybe one of them belongs to you, Miss Suspect.” He wiggled his brows and Clover let out a loud cackle.
    She elbowed him in the ribs. “They wouldn’t leave it on purpose. Anyway, it could have been a crime of passion or an argument gone wrong. What if there was a struggle or the killer was interrupted and had to flee quickly and dropped the wand?” Her imagination had gone into overdrive. “We don’t know. Now I’m really interested in seeing who drops by to pick up their wands.”
    “When you put it like that, if it were my wand, I’d never come back for it.” He smiled and shifted the book from his lap, hiding the cover.
    Clover shifted her weight, trying to get a peek. “Whatcha reading?”
    “Oh, nothing.” He blushed, faintly.
    Clover grabbed the book and made a mock gasping sound. “How could you?” She growled, a playful snarl curled up her lip. She admired the dazzling cover. Her biggest competitor, Lucinda Lace, had written the book.
    Derek reached over and snatched it back. “I couldn’t help it. There’s nothing to do around here, since I obviously can’t get any work done with the commotion. Your stuff is all locked up, and I’m going a little stir-crazy, pacing around the house.”
    “By reading the book, technically you are working. It’s research, right? Gotta keep up with the competition. So, tell me, is the novel any good?” The cover depicted a witch wearing a tight pink velvet corset, brewing up a steaming concoction in a huge copper cauldron with a half-naked wizard peering over her shoulder. The Brew Mistress was a bestseller and the third in a devilishly good series with just enough suspense and romance. Clover was a fan with a pang of envy.
    Derek’s face lit up, glowing with approval. “Yep, it’s really good, Clo. That word witch can really write. Wait till you read it. You’re going to want to up your game.”
    “Sounds like a challenge. I like it. Keeps us on our toes.” She ruffled his hair. “Leave it on my bedside table when you’re done with it. Lucinda spins a