Read Online Gone With the Witch by Heather Blake - Free Book Online Page B

she glared at her husband.
    With her hands fisted at her sides, it was obvious she was infuriated. No doubt, Glinda had just informed her of Baz’s exploits.
    With a big grin, family friend Godfrey Baleaux stroked his white beard and said, “You’re here now, Darcy, and that’s all that matters. Let the judging begin!” His big belly jiggled, straining the buttons on his vest as he chuckled.
    The event photographer busily snapped pictures of Missy in her pen as Reggie Beeson bent down and made a noise that sounded like a combination kiss and cluck. Missy trotted over to her, her tail wagging, probably expecting another dog cookie.
    Missy’s tail stopped wagging when she realized no snack was forthcoming.
    I understood her disappointment. I could use a cookie right about now, too.
    I set the spy pen on my display table and tried to focus on the judging. I scooped up Missy and held herclose to my chest. Her heart beat rapidly beneath my hand, and I stroked her back to calm her down a bit. The judges stepped over, one at a time, for a closer look at Missy’s eyes.
    Her tiny tail wagged as Godfrey said, “Soulful eyes.”
    It thumped harder as Reggie leaned in and said, “Lovely. Just lovely.”
    Ivy shoved a pink streak strand of hair out of her eye and spent more time looking at me than Missy. She mouthed,
You’re fired,
then quickly stepped backward.
    My jaw dropped, but I couldn’t quite defend myself to Ivy at this moment.
    And after a moment of consideration, I asked myself why I would want to. I shouldn’t have taken the job to begin with. I’d known it when Ivy hired me, and I knew it now.
    I had to learn to say no.
    Being fired was a
relief
.
    After the judges departed, I’d pack up, find Aunt Ve, have lunch with Nick and Mimi, and then Missy and I would go home. She’d be thrilled.
    As the event photographer snapped photos, I eyed his fancy camera and wondered what would show up on his display screen. Was he capturing a white starburst? Or was my true image showing up?
    I couldn’t quite ask without raising suspicions.
    Dorothy moved in for her time with Missy, and the little dog bared her teeth and tried to nip her.
    Missy had exceptional instincts.
    â€œAggressive temperament,” Dorothy said,
tsk
ing as she marked something on her clipboard.
    It required all I had in me not to snap that it took one to know one.
    Dorothy brought out the worst in me.
    I smiled tightly and tried my best to ignore her.
    â€œCome, now, Dorothy,” Godfrey said, sliding an armaround her shoulders. “I believe a short break is in order. I know I’m in need of a cocktail.”
    â€œA great idea, Godfrey,” she agreed. “One of your few.”
    â€œDon’t make me close your tab at the shop, honey.”
    Her eyes flared with panic. “My apologies.” Patting her pale blond bob, she gave me a finger wave and allowed Godfrey to lead her toward the staircase. Her stilettos clacked with each step she took.
    I caught sight of Nick, Mimi, and Higgins headed this way to meet up for our lunch date, and I couldn’t help sighing a little. Just looking at them did my heart good.
    Nick threw me a smile as they stopped to let a couple with three young boys admire Higgins.
    Perhaps Nick and Mimi could help track down Ve before we had lunch together. . . .
    With her blue eyes shining, Reggie stepped up to me and said, “Don’t mind Dorothy, my dear. We all know Missy has a sweet temperament. Dorothy’s just . . .” She seemed to be searching for a word and finally said, “Dorothy’s just Dorothy.” She slipped her hand in her pocket. A second later, a treat appeared between her fingertips. Missy happily gobbled it up, and with a pat to Missy’s head, Reggie was gone, hurrying along to catch up to the rest of the group.
    Letting out a long sigh, I set Missy back into her pen. It was a good thing