Peter’s shoes squeaked as he jolted to an abrupt halt. Potent Potions employees bustled about, heading in all directions at full speed. A man tugged a magically hovering cart laden with scrolls and documents down the hall, while a woman with a red face shouted, one finger pressed to her earpiece. Several people, wands out, directed hovering bundles of golden chests—the same kind I’d seen at Sue and Carolyn Lopez’s places.
I frowned. The place was in chaos… or was this just a normal day at Potent Potions? A circular table in the middle of the landing held a vase taller than I was, exploding with fresh flowers, sea sponges, coral, and shells. More vases and baskets and condolence cards littered the table and the floor around it. Guess the place was in mourning… though it was hard to tell with the electronic dance music blaring and nightclub atmosphere.
We passed a complimentary potions bar with rows of neatly stacked vials and a seating arrangement with a chair that looked like a pair of lips. I smirked—classy.
Peter stopped outside a frosted glass door labeled Ralph Litt, Co-owner, and rapped hard. He barely waited a beat before pushing the door open and storming inside.
“Ralph Litt?”
Ralph, who sat behind a clear glass desk in a tall leather office chair, startled and looked up, eyes wide in his overly tanned face. Avery Ann (of course) perched on the edge of the desk, looking over Ralph’s shoulder at some documents in front of him. She gasped and hopped off the table, then lowered her eyes, cheeks burning pink.
I crossed my arms as the other cops swarmed forward, wands drawn, and looked between the two of them. Guilt was written all over their faces. I glanced at Peter’s back—he may be right about Ralph killing Pearl, but I still got the distinct feeling Avery Ann was hiding something.
Ralph shoved back from the desk and scrambled to his feet. He extended a hand toward Peter. A gold watch studded with diamonds glittered on his wrist. “Oh, uh—good to see you, Officers.”
Daisy, who stood beside Peter, growled. Liar.
Ralph looked around the room, flashing a smile so white it had to be spelled, eyes tight with worry. “What, uh—what brings you to my office?” His throat bobbed, and he blinked at Peter, a bit more earnestness in his gaze. “Did they get the results back on Pearl’s death?”
Peter nodded. “The vial on Pearl Litt’s body, the one you handed her, contained high levels of poison—the same poison found on her lips.”
Ralph dragged a thick hand down his splotchy face, his thumb and forefinger tracing a circle through the white beard hairs around his mouth. Avery Ann hung her head.
“Who coulda—” Ralph stopped and jerked his head up to look around the room, seeming to suddenly realize what the cadre of cops in his office meant. He pointed a fat finger at Peter and scowled. “Now listen here—I didn’t kill her!” He threw a hand at Daisy. “Why, just ask your lie-sniffing dog, she’ll tell you!”
Daisy’s tail wagged, and her eyes darted up to Peter. Truth.
Peter’s throat bobbed, but his bloodshot eyes stayed hard as he stared Ralph down. “There are ways around Daisy’s powers—we’ll find out how you’re evading the truth. But the evidence is overwhelming—you had means, opportunity, and motive. We’re arresting you for the murder of your wife, Pearl Litt.”
Avery Ann gasped and covered her mouth with both hands. She darted her enormous blue eyes between Ralph and Peter.
“Motive?” Ralph spluttered. “Why would I kill Pearl?”
I leaned into one hip and leveled him a “get real” look. “Uh… to inherit her assets so you were rich and free to be with your mistress.” I flashed my eyes at him, then looked significantly at Avery Ann.
“Ugh, no!” Ralph scrunched up his face, and I experienced a moment of hesitation. “We’re not having an affair. I wouldn’t do that!”
Avery Ann shook her head, her brown waves swishing back and forth over her shoulders, but Daisy let out a whine that turned into a growl. Partiallie.
I could understand Avery Ann being grossed out by the idea of being with Ralph, but the other way around? She was way too cute for that kind of reaction. I doubted this guy would be so troubled by minor scruples, such as being married and older than her by decades, as to find the idea of being with her repugnant.
“My dog says you’re not being truthful.” Peter glared at Ralph, who shrank back, playing with the many gold and silver rings on his stubby fingers.
“Fine.” He ducked his head for a moment. “We’re not having an affair”—he gestured between himself and Avery Ann— “but there may have been others.”
Daisy growled and Ralph huffed. “Fine—there were definitely a lot of others!”
Daisy wagged her tail. Smells like truth.
I smirked—knew it!
“While I appreciate your honesty, the evidence is still stacked against you.” Peter nodded at his fellow officers, and a couple of them marched up to Ralph and snapped enchanted, glowing handcuffs around his wrists. He didn’t struggle—merely choked and let himself be led by the elbow around the desk toward the door.
“But—but I didn’t kill her!” He scowled at Peter. “I want my lawyer.”
Bags hung under Peter’s eyes, and his shoulders slumped. When was the last time the guy had gotten some sleep? He shrugged. “You’ll be allowed to contact your lawyer once you’ve been processed at the station.”
The cops dragged him out the door, and Peter and Daisy moved to follow.
I grabbed Peter’s arm. “Are you so sure that—”
He stared down at my hand, and though my stomach twisted that he’d look at me like that, I released him and let my arm hang at my side. “I’m just saying, Daisy says he’s telling the truth and if—”
Peter cut me off. “Look, Bon’s pressuring me to make an arrest, and it’s usually the husband, right?” He shrugged. “He handed Pearl the vial
