Evelina breathed a sigh of relief when Lipworth turned to go. Then, she remembered something-his connection to her parents. He was the chief investigator then. He might know something.

"Wait!" She reached out a hand to stall him.

He turned abruptly, with a glare so fierce she quickly released her grip on his arm. "Yes?"

"Sorry." She took a step back. "But I was wondering if you knew my parents, Dylan and Sirena Crimm."

"I did." His features turned grave. "They died under suspicious circ.u.mstances."

"Yes." Evelina's heart clutched, but she forced herself to ask, "I wondered what you could tell me about it?"

"Nothing," he said flatly. "It is an ongoing investigation. I am not permitted to speak of it."

"But you must know something? I'm their daughter, and you must be able to tell me something!"

His features softened, as though her wail of desperation cracked through the ice around his heart, then his face closed again. Or had she imagined it?

"I can tell you this," he said in confidential tones. "If you don't stay out of it, you'll be next."

A shiver raced up her back. "What?" Was that a threat? "What do you mean?"

"They know who you are," he continued in a low voice. "And they know you're curious, which makes you a threat." His thin lips flattened. "They consider you dangerous."

"Good," she said with false bravado. "Because I won't stop until I have answers."

"If you know what's good for you, you'll stay out of it. Let the professionals do their job."

"It's been twelve years!" Her voice rose in frustration. "And no one seems to know anything about this black market spell ring!"

"A very short time in witch years." His tone turned patronizing. "Some day you'll realize that."

What she realized as he strode away was, if she wanted answers she'd have to find them herself.

At least she'd confirmed one thing-her parents were definitely investigating black market spells. That was something. She was on the right track.

She just had to dig a little deeper.

Despite Raskin Lipworth's warning.

And the cold chill running up her back.

Chapter Eight.

Turns out practicing spells all night works up a powerful thirst.

But, not much more.

Evelina licked her dry lips, wishing she could say hours of instruction with their mentors in the clearing had sparked inspiration, but it hadn't.

Oh, she'd learned several impressive incantations, the trouble was she'd yet to master them. She had to succeed before the night was through.

Exhibit a', the monstrous green blob of goo with two antennae at her feet, which was supposed to be a caterpillar.

She'd tried the basic creation spell at least ten times. This was as close as she'd got. Not very close.

Abby and Tally appeared to be struggling as well with mixed results. Abby's was very small. Tally's looked more like a worm. But, at least they looked like something.

Evelina circled her creation, rubbing her chin. She stopped and stared at it for a long moment. Something was missing. What was it?

She considered it again.

Focus.

Focus.

Voices echoed around the cove, as other novices attempted the same incantation.

Evelina raised her finger in the air. "Initio infra!"

Nothing.

She tried again. "Initio infra!"

The blob gave a loud belch.

Councillor Burble marched over to have a look. "More form and substance, please!" She carolled. "It's all in the details."

Evelina groaned as Burble hustled away.

What did that mean?

She felt as lost as she did before the lesson began.

Nebula Sludge sidled between them. "Is that yours, Crimm?" She sent forth a loud cackle. "Pathetic!"

Evelina's cheeks flared.

Judy Cheetum trundled over. "What's that?" She sneered. "Looks like slime."

Suzie followed, sending forth a peal of splintering laughter. "More like dragon mucus!"

Anger welled in Evelina's chest.

She turned hotter and hotter.

And then...

Something ignited deep inside of her.

Without thinking, she lifted her finger in the air and sketched the most beautiful caterpillar her imagination could conger.

And Poof!

It appeared, with a mossy green rippling body covered in pink spots and crisp black antennae with red circles on top.

She swirled her finger again, round and round, as the caterpillar spun a frothy white coc.o.o.n, shot with silver thread around itself. It wiggled and writhed like a mummy having a seizure. Then, it burst from its silk covering as a spectacular b.u.t.terfly, fluttering its emerald and gold wings like giant fans, rising up into the air. It flapped up into Neblua Sludge's face landing on her nose, stuck out its tongue, made a loud raspberry, then flew away.

"Very amusing!" Sludge wiped the spittle from her face. "Next time, get it right the first time." She turned to stalk away, throwing over her shoulder. "Back to work, Crimm!"

Evelina couldn't help but smile.

The more she pondered it, the bigger her smile got.

She smiled and smiled for hours-the entire hike back to the tree fort, in fact, until fatigue took over and the euphoria melted away.

Trouble was, her mind wouldn't stop.

She stretched out in her hammock, but couldn't sleep. Frankie's face kept popping into her head.

So he was betrothed.

The question was to whom.

Frankie sounded out of breath, like he'd sprinted a quarter mile. "You're awol."

"Yeah?" Evelina gave him a sidelong glance, but kept on walking. She didn't have time to chat. She needed to get back to the island before she was found out. "So are you."

"I need to talk to you."

Evelina stopped short. She didn't have much choice since he was blocking her path-and everyone else's, for that matter. As usual, the Old City was teaming with tourists. "Why?"

"Leviticus."

"Oh?" She stepped around him and strode on.

Frankie caught up. "He said he came to see you."

"Yup."

"What did he say?"

"Not much." She shrugged. "The usual. To stay away from you. You're his prize pupil. You're parents are concerned about your future, etc, etc."

"I'm sorry." A pained expression chased across Frankie's face. "I meant to tell you."

"No problem." She ducked into a dress shop, hoping he'd get the message that she didn't have time to chat. She needed to get to the tattoo parlor before it closed, then back to the island before she was missed. If that was possible. Psycho Sally kept weird hours. She'd already missed her several times.

Frankie strode in after her. "I really did mean to tell you." He positioned himself opposite the rack of beach cover-ups she pretended to examine. "Leviticus means well. He just gets carried away some times."

"It's okay." She attempted a bland look, while her heart clutched. "I get it."

"It's just..."

She met his gaze over the rack. "Awkward?"

"Yeah."

"No problem." Had she already said that? She'd already said that. Her throat tightened. "Well, I've got to go," she gushed at last. "I've got to make a few more stops before they close up shop."

"I'll go with you." He made to follow her.

"No." She held up a hand. She didn't want to risk scaring Sally off. "I'd better go alone." When he opened his mouth again, she hastily added. "It's girl stuff. I don't want to bore you."

"Okay." He nodded. "I'll see ya then."

"Yeah." She gave a wave, watching him stride for the door.

As soon as the door closed she made for the exit at the other end of the shop. She had to meet Kamaria at the beach house in an hour.

She needed that ring.

She sucked in a long, shuddering breath, threading her way through the crowd.

She'd expected to feel better after she got that off her chest.

But she didn't.

If anything, she felt worse.

It was tough to cut him loose, but he belonged to someone else.

What else could she do?

It was for the best.

The closed sign on the tattoo parlor door brought Evelina up short.

Another sign swung inside the door under it, Call again tomorrow'.

Tomorrow!