Trev shot him a sideways look. "You know about that?"

"Stasi told Blair."

"And?" He wondered if she'd also told her friend about the kiss.

Jake's teeth flashed white. "Some things it's best not to mention."

He froze just as they reached the end of the stand of trees ringing the lake.

"What do you sense?" Trev asked, trusting the other man's perception more than his own.

"Something dirty, cruel," he murmured, walking more slowly now, then stopped. "Whoa, something did a real number on your spell."

Trev walked around Jake and stared at the now visible barrier around the lake, which looked armed to the teeth with the crisscrossed strips of magick and the ruins of the protective ring he had constructed to protect mortals from stumbling onto the barrier and being harmed in the process. Now, it was as if whatever had created the barrier wanted everyone to know about it. And he guessed who would be the first to be blamed.

Jake watched Trev approach the barrier, then stop when flames licked around the bottom edge. He backed up to a safe distance and watched the flames die down, but he sensed that they lingered in the ground waiting for an unwary victim.

"You can't destroy it, can you?" he asked.

Trev shook his head. "Not without some potent help. And with no idea what created this, I wouldn't even know who to ask."

"What kind of magick do you think it is?"

Both men turned at the sound of the feminine voice. Stasi stood at the end of the path. In deference to the cold morning, she wore a brown wool cloak with the hood pulled up over her hair. There was a determination stamped across her delicate features that Trev hadn't seen before.

"You don't know, do you?" She moved forward, not slipping once on the snow even though she still wore the fragile ballet slippers. "Neither of you know what monster is out there frightening people into thinking Blair and I are evil and turning our beautiful lake into this horror."

"Hey, I just ran into Trev and came along for company," Jake explained, looking easygoing and with no evidence of the sharp intelligence he'd shown Trev a few moments ago. "He was trying to explain this to me." He pointed to the lake. "Man, anyone comes out here they'll think aliens have landed or the lake monster finally decided he wanted to be alone."

"The lake monster?"

"A local legend," Stasi said. "Sometimes you can look out and see bubbles or a shadow of something in the middle of the lake, but there's never been a problem with anyone out there fishing. Kids come out here on a dare to find the monster. So far, no one has succeeded and not one child has been eaten."

Trev turned back to the barrier. "It needs to be hidden or at least masked."

"No offense, Trevor, but you weren't very successful the last time," Stasi said sharply.

He ignored her as he moved toward the barrier again. Jake walked with him, his boot heels crunching on the icy ground.

"Is the lake a tourist spot during your festivities?" Trev asked. "Any ghost tours given out here?"

Stasi shook her head. "All the ghost walking tours are in town and at the local cemetery. They feel it's more colorful. The lake monster legend isn't even talked about much except among the kids. I think they'd prefer to keep this place their own secret."

"Can you cover the barrier?" Jake asked.

"I can try. Considering what happened last time, who knows? But this time I'll study the structure more and not just show off," he murmured.

Stasi stepped back. "I must return to the shop." Her speech turned more formal as if she had mentally stepped back in time. She turned around, her cloak flying around her ankles as she walked away with both men watching her.

"You need to come up with some serious mojo to force Caustic Carrie to back down on the lawsuit," Jake said. "If you don't you'll never have a chance with Stasi."

Trev turned away from the enticing sight of Stasi walking away. "I'm not allowed to do that. Besides, as I said, wizards and witches don't mix."

"An old wives' tale," Jake scoffed. "There's another witch that will tell you just because they say one thing doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Especially since she's with a vampire."

"Amazing a vampire would stay with a witch, since blood taking is so important a ritual for them with their lovers," Trev said, surprised. It was well known that a witch's blood was poisonous to a vampire. Any vampire who dared take a witch's blood would suffer a serious case of heartburn at the least and death at the worst.

"Then you don't know Jazz Tremaine and Nick Gregory. They're playing the odds and so far, they're winning. And no way he'd try to take even a taste of her blood. She throws a mean fireball," Jake added, following Trev as he moved closer to the barrier, then started walking around it.

Trev studied the ground, watching how the flames would immediately lick the ground if they moved even an inch closer to the barrier. Even as the blaze increased the air remained cold.

"Fire but no heat," he murmured.

"More damage that way," Jake commented. "If you don't feel the heat you don't realize how badly you're burned until it's too late."

Trev deliberately moved a step closer. The flames shot higher, still not providing heat but something more sinister that Trev could only sense. It took some time for the facts to pop up in his head, but when they did he knew he was facing something more than he had expected.

"Not burned. Melted," he said finally. "You don't feel any heat, so you'll venture too close. Once you've gotten within its range, the fire will lick at your skin and instantly melt it like wax. By the time it's finished, you'll be nothing but a puddle on the ground. It will even melt your bones."

Jake grimaced. "Sounds like something out of a bad sci-fi or horror movie. The Lake That Ate the Town."

"This isn't normal magick." Trev crouched and picked up a small stone. He arched back and threw the stone as hard as he could. The men watched the stone hit the barrier and bounce back so hard and fast it buried itself in a tree trunk. "If the stone had hit one of us we'd probably be cleaved in two."

"That still doesn't tell us what kind of magick it is," Jake said.

"It's got to be some kind of power from the earth, but it's nothing I'm familiar with." Trev glanced at him. "Feel like a hike?"

"Sure."

As the two men, each bearing his own special form of magick, walked along, they found a common denominator. They both were fascinated with a witch, and each had their own reason for keeping their distance. Even if they knew deep down it was a losing battle.

"So, girlfriend, tell all. What are you going to wear on your date with the wizard?" Horace asked as Stasi closed out her register. It had been a slow day, so it wouldn't take her long. "You're not going to wear one of those sack dresses are you?" He cast a derisive look over her period costume. "Now, if you were in Regency clothing, I'd say fine. At least they showed off the bod, but what you're wearing covers too much." He tapped a claw against his chin. "Maybe you could borrow something s.e.xy and sa.s.sy from Blair. She's got some outfits that could qualify as pretty good s.l.u.t wear."

"I have very nice date clothes," she pointed out. "And Blair will make you suffer if she hears you calling her clothes s.l.u.t wear."

"Honey, you haven't been on a decent date in ages and as for getting laid ..." he paused, "well, that's been even longer."

"I am not discussing my s.e.x life or lack thereof with you."

He perked up. "Will you tell me if the wizard nails you? Come to think of it, maybe you won't have to tell me. Maybe you'll just float in here wearing that postcoital glow. Oh wait! You'll have your phone with you. Maybe you could take a few pictures for my sc.r.a.pbook. Hey!" His arms and legs windmilled in the air as Stasi picked him up by his wings and gave him a little shake. "Not nice!" He glared at her.

"Then stop acting gross." She held him a couple of inches above the counter then released his wings.

Horace fell to the counter and rolled over. He stood up in a crouch, rubbing his b.u.t.t.

"You used to be nice," he muttered.

She picked up the moneybag and noticed Bogie had already disappeared from his bed. "Good night, Horace."

"Just remember, it's okay to give a little tongue with a kiss," he called after her.

"I'm telling Jazz to bring Fluff and Puff with her," she caroled as she left the shop, flipping the sign to Closed and locking the door. She smiled as she heard Horace's wails of outrage. The gargoyle and the bunny slippers had major issues.

She met Blair, who was also closing up shop.

"Do you want to go down to the Sit 'N Eat?" Blair asked. "I don't know about you, but I don't feel like cooking or even heating up."

"I-ah-I'm having dinner with Trev." Stasi looked across the street, so she wouldn't have to see her friend's reaction.

Blair's lips widened in a knowing smile. "Really?" she drew out the word. "I wonder how this date will go."

"It's not a date." She rounded the side of the building and headed for the stairs leading to the top floor.

"He asked you to dinner?"

"Yes."

"And I'm sure he'll pick up the check."

"He better."

"Then it's a date. This is worth me nuking something for dinner. What are you going to wear?"

"Considering it's going to be thirty degrees tonight, I'm thinking something warm." She picked up Bogie, who had greeted her at the door. Since he wasn't fond of cold weather he usually transported himself from the shop to the apartments.

"Maybe this time you can convince him to persuade Carrie to drop the lawsuit." Blair followed Stasi into her bedroom and headed for her closet, examining the contents. "I have just the thing." She left the room.

"I prefer to cover my legs, thank you very much!" Stasi twisted and waggled her fingers at her back. The hooks released and she quickly peeled off her clothing. "It's not a date!"

"You know, in mortal court you wouldn't be allowed to have dinner with the opposing attorney. I say you go for it. Enjoy your night out-and this is the perfect way to enjoy it." Blair entered the room carrying a hanger in one hand and a pair of shoes in the other.

Stasi stared at the soft wool pants and jacket in a rich shade of periwinkle. What made the outfit outstanding was an off-the-shoulder lace top in dark lavender. Only the thinnest of nude colored fabric separated her skin from the elegant lace, so it would look as if she wore nothing underneath. Once she took off the jacket, she'd be dressed in a way to tease a man's imagination. Blair held up a pair of come and get me stilettos that perfectly matched the outfit.

Stasi's lips broadened in a smile as she imagined adding her favorite pearl pendant and earrings to it.

"Oh yes, this will do nicely."

Chapter Eight.

Trev had thought Stasi was beautiful the first time he met her, and each time he saw her reinforced that feeling. Tonight she took his breath away. The hint of lace in the neckline of her jacket had him wondering just what was under that soft wool fabric.

"You look lovely," he murmured in her ear as he helped her on with her cream wool ankle-length coat. Her hair was pulled behind her ears with tiny clips holding back the loose curls. He could smell the scent of spring on her skin and hair.

She lowered her lashes with a demure expression on her face. "Thank you." She picked up her bag, which instantly transformed itself from a black leather tote to a small purse that matched her suit perfectly. She slipped the gold chain over her shoulder.

"You kids be good now," Blair chirped from her sprawled position on the couch with a gla.s.s of wine nearby. "And have my baby back by midnight."

"She thinks she's a sitcom mom." Stasi headed for the door. "I worry that the day will come when I'll find her vacuuming and wearing a housedress and pearls."

"You care for each other like sisters," he said, as he helped her into his Jag. In deference to the cold weather he'd left the top up.

"We've been friends for so long we feel more like family than any blood relative," she admitted, settling back against the b.u.t.tery soft leather. She leaned over and placed her hand on his arm as he pushed the keyless start. "May I ask for one thing this evening? No talk about what really brought you up to Moonstone Lake?"

He c.o.c.ked an eyebrow, as he couldn't resist teasing her. "Even if you were the reason I came up here?"

She frowned at him, schoolmarm at an unruly student. "You know what I mean, Trev."

He was relieved that she felt the same way he did. The last thing he wanted to discuss tonight was business. "Tonight is for us." He clicked on the ignition and backed the car out.

As they drove down the quiet street, Trev noticed a shadow alongside the building that held the general store, which carried everything from hoes to penny candy. It wasn't until a hint of light caught the wispy features that he realized it was a ghost wearing clothing from the 1800s, and he looked upset. He noticed that Stasi saw the ghost also and sat forward a bit. Before either could make a comment the spirit disappeared. Since Stasi didn't say anything Trev thought it best to remain silent.

The drive up the winding road to the resort was short and didn't give them much time for conversation.

"Do you come up here often?" Trev asked.

She nodded. "They offer lovely spa treatments and it makes for a nice getaway." Her grin flashed in the dashboard lights. "Their restaurant also has some killer desserts."

The warm temperature inside the resort's lobby was a welcome change from the night chill as they crossed the carpeted expanse to the dining room's entrance.

Trev gave his name to the maitre d' and helped Stasi off with her coat before shrugging off his leather coat.

They were soon seated near a window at a table placed a little apart, offering privacy from the other diners. True to habit Trev took the side that had his back to the wall and where he had a prime view of the foyer. This was the act of a male in protection mode.

The tiniest of smiles tipped Stasi's lips upward. "Ah, the protective wizard. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside." And then she slid her pantsuit jacket off.

Trev almost swallowed his tongue as he surveyed the all too s.e.xy lace top. She had even added a hint of a pearlized powder to her exposed shoulders and collarbones that left her skin gleaming. He reminded himself he had to say something without sounding like a fool, but so far nothing had come to mind.

"Why did you and Blair choose Moonstone Lake?" Trev asked after the waiter brought them their drinks, Johnny Walker Black Label straight up for him and a gla.s.s of Chardonnay for her.

She sipped her wine as if figuring out her reply. "In some ways, because of the lake. At that time, Blair and I had been working in a medicine show." She took a deep breath and spoke softly enough that only Trev heard her words. "Step right up, ladies and gentlemen! Right here in my hand I have the cure for all reasons. The cure for all seasons. All you need is Professor Phinneas Peggins' Soothing Syrup. One teaspoon of this magic elixir every morning and night will have your heart singing the Hallelujah Chorus, your lungs open and clear, and your bowels will never work better." She laughed softly at Trev's wince, but she didn't stop her patter. "Ladies, you will never worry again about female trouble or monthly hysteria once you take this medicine of the ages. And a teaspoon once a day to your children will have them happy and healthy with never a day sick. Only ten cents a bottle, ladies and gentlemen. One tenth of a dollar. One thin dime. Nowhere can you buy this kind of protection and it's cheaper than seeing a sawbones who will want to cut off your leg and charge you a dollar for it. Don't wait too long because your health is the most important thing there is. Who will be the first to want to keep their vigor?"

He was stunned. "You actually were out there selling that poison?"

"Back then people didn't consider it harmful, although Blair and I were more familiar with what the ingredients could do," she defended herself. "Since we didn't want to see anyone sick or dying from it the way people did from drinking various other forms of those patent medicines, we managed to tweak the professor's formula-which was originally a non-healthy dose of opium. It might not have cured everyone's ills, but it didn't turn them into addicts, either."

Trev grinned. He had seen his share of medicine shows back when they were popular, so he knew any woman in the show was scantily clad to prompt the men to buy. The idea of Stasi in a bit of fluff was tantalizing his senses.

"So what happened?"

"It was a bitterly cold winter that year and to stay warm the professor drank too much of his own medicine. Instead, he didn't wake up," she explained, remembering. "Blair and I were stranded there, out of work, no money because the professor hadn't paid us in months, and the restaurant in town needed waitresses. Not as glamorous maybe, but it was work. Back then Moonstone Lake was nothing more than a tent city and jobs for women weren't plentiful unless you wanted to work in one of the saloons or gambling halls. We were lucky to get what we did. Ginny Chao's great-grandparents were some of the first mortals to befriend us."