Free Three Witches and a Killer: Wicked Western Witches Book 1 by Kendra Ashe Page A

out loud. “I’ve heard she isn’t too happy with the CO5 these days.”
    I shrugged. “I have no idea, but what I do know is that your mom and Aunt Sophie are likely next if we don’t figure this out soon.”
    It was apparent from his grim expression that Pax was well aware of this. “I’ve heard that Asia Martell is a vengeful bitch,” he added.
    Asia Martell was the Queen Witch and leader of the CO5. I’d heard she was a powerful witch and one you didn’t want to cross, but I’d also heard that she could be seductive and sweet. Which version was true I had no idea and hoped I’d never have a reason to find out.
    “So what now?” I asked once we were back in Pax’s VW.
    “I don’t know about you, but I was thinking of checking in at home to see why Holly didn’t come to work.”
    “Sounds like a good idea,” I told him. “I’ll go back to the office and check on Mickey D. Maybe I can dig up something on the Internet about Asia. Could be there are some rumors circulating.”
     
     

Chapter Nine
     
    As soon as I stepped into my office it became apparent that my Mickey D problem was getting worse. It had been less than two hours since he was fed and already he was moaning and groaning. He was definitely declining and fast.
    At least he wasn’t in a frenzy yet, which meant that it was probably a good time to try the spell again.
    Reaching into my desk drawer, I pulled out the old envelope that I’d used to jot down the reversal spell. It had been handled so much that it was barely legible. No matter, I’d tried the spell so many times that I’d practically memorized it.
    Holding the envelope in one hand I used the other to carefully and slowly open the closet door.
    As soon as the door was open, he lunged at me. It was a good thing he was chained to the floor.
    In spite of the fact I knew he couldn’t reach me, my heart still jumped into my throat. I hated zombies!
    I had to turn away. The flesh on his face was peeling away.
    Hopefully, when he was turned back he wouldn’t be scarred. No doubt he deserved it, but I didn’t think it was my place to dish out punishment, no matter how corrupt and immoral he was.
    Unfortunately, I’d come to this conclusion a little too late. Now he might be a zombie forever.
    Doing my best to ignore his growling and lunging, I recited the spell once again and then waited for something to happen. But just like the last two dozen times, nothing did.
    Sighing, I put my hands on my hips. “You know, Mickey, you really do deserve this. Next time you decide to use your money to try and crush someone, you should really consider the consequences.”
    My only answer was a bunch of growling, which really wasn’t all that much different than when we were married.
    Giving up, I shut the closet door. I definitely sucked at reversal spells.
    With nothing else to do, I sat down at my computer and started researching Asia Martell, the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. There was a lot of information on her but nothing to suggest that she was the leader of the CO5, let alone anything that would indicate she was thinking of killing off her followers.
    Next, I looked up vampire type murders. There were more than a few of those but most of them could be chalked up to deranged individuals who believed they were vampires. Of course there was always a chance that was exactly what we were dealing with, but I had my doubts. The victims were witches, therefore it was highly unlikely a mortal would have the ability to subdue and kill them, even if they were deranged.
    About three hours into my research my phone rang. “Hello,” I answered.
    “Hey, Sadie. This is Jane over at the morgue. You asked me to call you if my new case was similar to Petrova.”
    “I did. Do you have something for me?” I asked.
    “I sure do. The preliminary exam of Luca Trevil indicates a bear mauled him, but on closer examination, it’s obvious that all his injuries were received postmortem. The COD is actually