Black Wings, Gray Skies (Black Hat Bureau 4)

There was a distinct possibility my presence in Samford had attracted pixies, who were drawn to magic.

As long as they kept their raids isolated to the rosebuds, I was fine with supporting their snacking habits.

“I hate to add another item to your to-do list, but I have more to report on the feral hog.”

“That’s not reassuring.” I rubbed my eyes. “What’s up?”

“The store smelled funny when we opened. It was hours old, but I can’t shake the feeling it was the same guy from yesterday. That faint black witch aroma is everywhere, especially in the office.”

“You think he broke in?”

“I see no evidence to support it,” he admitted. “The door was secure when we arrived, and there were no scratch marks on the lock or dents in the jamb.”

“Trust your gut.”

Thanks to running from a homicidal older sister most of his life, he had uncanny instincts.

“My gut says the guy came back sometime last night, walked around the store, maybe checked the office, and left. He didn’t take anything that I can tell. That’s what prompted the inventory, but I thought you would want to know.”

“You were right to call. Just keep a closer eye on the girls, okay?”

“I will,” he said softly, and I didn’t have to be there to know he was staring at Arden as he made his vow.

Goddess save me from the male of the species.

Before I blurted something totally hypocritical, I ended the call and tossed my phone on my nightstand.

Arms stretched over my head, I smiled when Clay strolled into the room and flopped onto my bed.

“I heard back from my buddy in Atlanta.”

“Good morning to you too.”

“He emailed me a file I forwarded to you from the Office of the Potentate of Atlanta pertaining to the witchborn fae case. He says the coven was wiped out, and their source of power destroyed.”

“Jilo did claim the killer was a boo hag.”

“Hey, anytime we mark through another option, I call that a win.”

While it was fresh on my mind, I filled him in on my call from the girls, and Aedan.

“Now that’s more like it.” He rolled onto his back, arms propping up his head. “Is it weird I’m relieved?”

“How does a black witch in Samford link to boo hags in Charleston?”

“There must be a connection. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be here. You wouldn’t be here.”

Whatever had frightened the director, I assumed that was the target at which he would aim me.

But what if I misread the situation? What if I wasn’t the arrow? What if I was…the bait?

And if I was a trap, then who or what did he expect to catch with me?

“Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.” I rubbed my stomach. “I could really go for cheese eggs with a side of bacon.”

Knowing me, Aedan should have chosen a better code name for the black witch.

“Ace went to round up breakfast.” He studied me. “How’s life on the road with your man?”