Free Witch Upon a Star (A Midnight Magic Mystery) by Jennifer Harlow Page A

grin on my face.
    We entered the foyer, which was far more modern than I’d anticipated. White walls, art deco end tables and lamps, even an orange shag carpet. The 70s. Ugh. As we handed our coats to the valet, a couple stumbled from one of the rooms, the woman toking a joint. She was pretty in a generic way with thick black hair, Mediterranean skin, wide brown eyes that would have given her an air of innocence if not for the layers of make-up and barely there silver minidress. I was grossly overdressed if she was an indication. The man was far more dapper in pressed black slacks and blue turtleneck, chestnut hair, and piercing brown eyes that instantly zeroed in on me.
    “Hello, gorgeous-es,” the woman chuckled in a horrible Barbara Streisand imitation. Both had trouble walking, one hanging on the other for support, though the man’s problem had less to do with an altered state. He dragged his right foot slightly as they approached. “I am Minnie, your hostess with the mostest tonight. Thank you for coming to my abo-de. Abode,” she corrected a second later before more cackling. I suddenly felt as if I were back with Sven and Astrid. “That’s a funny word.”
    “I often have difficulty with it myself,” her companion said in a clipped British accent. He momentarily lifted his eyes from me to my companion. “Hello, Asher.”
    “George. Glad to see you are looking well.”
    “Never been a problem of mine, old thing,” George said, eyes once again undressing me. “And who is this delectable creature?”
    I had the strongest urge to hide behind Asher, but he beat me to it, stepping forward to shield me. “ Mine ,” Asher growled. His head swiveled to Minnie as he reached for my hand once more. “We have business with Lord Richard. Will you please show us to him?”
    “Sure man. Right this way. ”
    Minnie led us through the foyer and upstairs. Over the psychedelic music and revelry I could still hear the groans and squeals of passion as we passed closed doors. Two men channeling Ziggy Stardust meandered out of one, both zipping their flies. Asher’s grip on my hand tightened. Minnie knocked on the last door in the hallway.
    “Yes?” a man asked on the other side.
    “Someone’s demanding to see you. Your old new best friend.”
    “Enter.”
    We entered a small, dark office a far cry from the rest of the house. It was as if we stepped back a century with oil paintings, antique furniture, and only one Tiffany lamp on his desk. The man himself matched the surroundings with burgundy smoking jacket, Von Hapsburg beard, and sandy brown hair.
    “Baby, you’re not even dressed!” Minnie admonished.
    “I have a few more odds and ends to tie up. I shall be down shortly. Please leave us.” Minnie blew him a kiss before literally skipping back to the party. “Please have a seat.”
    “I see you and Byron have reconciled,” Asher said as he sat.
    “A recent occurrence. When Minnie learned of our acquaintanceship, she insisted on an introduction. I have failed to shake him since. He has his charms, I suppose. And he keeps Minnie happy and distracted.” I imagined that wouldn’t take much. “Alain is here as well.”
    The corner’s of Asher’s mouth twitched involuntarily. “Thank you for warning me.”
    “I trust you both will be on your best behavior,” Richard said.
    “Of course. I have no quarrel with him. ”
    “And on the subject of family,” Richard said before turning his attention to me. “This must be the Anna you have been speaking of so highly. A pleasure to meet you. Finally.”
    “You as well, sir,” I said with a gracious smile. “It’s an honor. Thank you for having me in your beautiful home.”
    Lord Richard returned my smile. “Beauty and manners. You have chosen you latest consort well.”
    “Without question,” Asher said proudly. “We simply need to fill out the required paperwork.”
    Richard contemplated this for a moment. “How old are you, dear?”
    “Fourteen