A Spell Of Trouble (Silver Hollow Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series Book 1) by Leighann Dobbs, Traci Douglass Read Free Book Online Page B

Fred and Judith Vonner. Ember was with her this time, as Raine was out on another landscaping job on the other side of Silver Hollow and couldn’t make it back in time. Ember had closed up her chocolate shop, Divine Cravings, while Issy had left her trusty shop assistant in charge of Enchanted Pets, feigning her usual excuse of a late lunch with her cousin.
    “Wow, this land is really lovely,” Ember said as they started up the drive. Wildflowers grew all along the front edge of woods abutting the property and along the back of the old Victorian-style house. Black shutters highlighted the many windows, and the front lawn was lush and, from the smell of fresh-cut grass, newly mowed. As they climbed the steps up to the wraparound porch, Issy noticed hanging baskets of purple, pink, and white pansies lining the space. All in all, a well-kept property, not your typical murderer’s lair. Then again, looks could be deceiving.
    Issy was dressed in her usual shorts and tank top, pink this time, while Ember had worn a cute little yellow eyelet sundress that made her look like some lost Southern belle, with her dark-auburn curls tied back with a matching sunny-yellow ribbon. Ember had also brought along a specially charmed box of salted caramels from her shop, in case they had a problem getting the Vonners to open up. Issy took a deep breath then pressed the doorbell.
    Moments later, a man appeared at the screen door, pudgy, late fifties to early sixties, bald on top, with gray hair around the sides of his head. He frowned when he saw Issy and Ember. “Can I help you ladies?”
    His hand shook a bit as he raised a handkerchief to wipe his sweaty forehead, Issy noticed. Nervous, maybe? He certainly didn’t look as if he’d been expecting guests, if his grass-stained T-shirt and plaid Bermuda shorts were any indication. His frown increased as he caught Issy staring. He started to close the storm door, mumbling, “Whatever you’re selling, we don’t want any.”
    “No, wait,” Issy called, finding her voice at last. “We came to talk to you about your land, Mr. Vonner.”
    He hesitated then creaked the door back open. “What about my land?”
    “Just a few questions about the rezoning, if you have a moment?” Issy flashed him her most dazzling smile. “Please?”
    “Fine.” He sighed, his shoulders slumping as he opened the screen door to let them in.
    She and Ember stepped inside the cool interior of the house, and Issy looked around. Quaint decorations, in keeping with the Victorian theme. Lots of needlepoint and doilies and crocheted afghans tossed everywhere. A fish tank bubbled near one corner of the space—large and expensive and not from Issy’s shop, she noted.
    Issy sent out her magic-power feelers again but didn’t pick up any sign of paranormal activity here either. Not that people couldn’t mask such things on rare occasions, but it would take a lot of dark-magic power to do so. And as far as the Quinns knew, no one in Silver Hollow had that kind of power. Or at least that was what she’d thought before Louella’s disturbing death.
    “Have a seat,” Mr. Vonner said. “Can I get you ladies something to drink? I’m afraid my wife’s not home at the moment.”
    “Oh, no,” Ember said. “We’re fine, thank you.” She handed him the box of chocolate-covered caramels and gave him her most charming smile. “A housewarming gift, for you and your wife. I’m Ember Quinn, by the way. Those are a treat from my shop.”
    “We’ve lived here twenty years or more,” he said.
    “Yes, but this is our first time visiting.”
    “Hmm.” He held up the pretty silver box with the dainty blue bow and wrinkled his nose. “Pretty fancy. Thanks.”
    “You’re welcome.” Ember walked into the living room and took a seat on a chintz-upholstered love seat while Issy sat on a mauve-colored velvet antique Victorian chair.
    Mr. Vonner took a seat on an ottoman across from Issy and wiped his forehead again.