Skye was about to send them to Glenna when she noticed her coworker wasn’t plopped in her usual spot at the counter. A shiver of unease crept up her spine. It’s okay. Glenna’s probably getting a drink at the coffeehouse.
Drink. She thought of the absinthe, aka fairy crack, downstairs. Before closing up, she’d have to go in the basement and make sure no absinthe was poured in the carafe as a fairy lure. She pulled the cell phone out of her coat pocket to check the time. Only eight o’clock, another hour to go before closing. And still no message from Kheelan. She frowned, checking the bars to make sure it was fully charged.
“Uh . . . we’re ready to leave,” one of the girls said.
Skye saw they were all waiting, watching her curiously.
“The candles are up by the register.” She headed there, picking up a sage smudge stick on the way. After ringing them up, she slipped the stick to Molly. “This is on the house. If you feel uneasy afterwards, burn this in the room.”
Molly shot her a grateful smile and Skye felt reassured at least one of them was level-headed enough to take some precautions.
Skye dragged a box of books from behind the counter and kicked it over to the bookshelf for stocking. Perspiration on her face and body chilled her and she pulled the heavy coat more tightly around her body. The skin around her wings itched mercilessly but she didn’t dare take off her coat and risk exposure. The fairies had to help her get rid of them. She couldn’t live like this, halfway in both worlds.
She split open the package with some box cutters and put up the books, determined to keep busy.
“What are you, sick or something?” Glenna was by her side, arms folded, hair hanging over half her face. “You look ridiculous working in that heavy coat.”
Skye took the excuse Glenna handed her. “Bad cold. Maybe you should stay away.”
“You shouldn’t be here. I don’t want to catch your cold.”
“Always sympathetic.” Skye kept stocking, not wanting to look in Glenna’s storm gray eyes. Her lips tightened and she slammed the books into place with jerky motions.
“It’s almost closing time and Claribel and Mama D won’t be back in until tomorrow. I can lock up tonight,” said Glenna.
Startled, Skye almost dropped a book. “You’ve never offered to help before. You must be the one sick.”
“No, just looking out for my health. Go home, Skye.”
Gray eyes clashed with green ones as they faced each other. Skye couldn’t keep it in any longer.
“I’m not leaving. I know why you want to stay late tonight.”
“You do?” Glenna uncrossed her arms, leaning forward slightly.
“Pixie killer.” It felt good to get it out in the open.
Glenna’s mouth opened and closed. “Did you call me a pixie murderer? Hanging around Claribel has made you lose your freaking mind. Get a grip.”
Skye walked a step forward, only inches between them now. “I’ve been in the backroom of the basement. I’ve seen the absinthe and I know what you’re doing with it.”
Glenna gasped and slowly stepped back. “How did you know?” Her face flushed in a combination of guilt and anger. “I mean . . . I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Liar.” Skye poked a finger at Glenna’s chest. “You’ve been in that locked room with the cases of absinthe. You’ve even worn black gloves and poured some of the absinthe in the carafe.” Skye clasped Glenna’s right wrist. “The bracelet gave you away. I saw it when you put the metal tray over the carafe’s opening.”
Glenna twisted out of Skye’s grasp, taking another step back. “Okay, I admit it. I’ve been down there. But it’s not what you think.” Her eyes darted around the store.
“I don’t care who sees us.” Skye said. “What people think right now is the least of my worries.”
“I was just, you know, doing a favor for someone.” Glenna licked her lips.
“Do the words ‘Dark Fae’ mean anything to you?”
“Huh?” Glenna acted confused. Although, act could be the key word here. “Hey, I don’t have to take this from you.” She scurried away, faster than Skye had ever seen her move before.
No doubt about it. After closing, she was going in that basement and making sure the absinthe wasn’t set out. Just in case any pixies with a craving for 150 proof alcohol were still left flying around. And she would definitely have to speak with Claribel tomorrow about Glenna. If she was lucky, tonight was the last time she’d have to deal with her nastiness. No way would Claribel want to keep on an employee who treated the fairies like Glenna did.
She opened up her cell phone again. 8:45 and still no messages. Shoot, tonight would have been perfect for Kyle and Kheelan to meet since everyone would be out of the store soon. She texted Callie, made sure she’d gotten home okay. Seconds later, Callie responded. I’m home. TTYS p.s. stay strong.
“Yours.” A black velvet charm bag was shoved in her hand.
“Kyle, that’s so sweet to make this for me. Any special reason?”