My Evil Valentine Elixir Read online

  My Evil Valentine Elixir

  A Bohemian Lake Cozy Mystery

  Hexing Holidays in Bohemian Lake

  A Sera Popescu short from the Bookish Adventures Series

  Hexing Holidays in Bohemian Lake Short Story Collection

  Mistletoe and Hauntings - Previously Published in 12 Cozy Mystery Carols of Christmas

  My Evil Valentines Elixir- Previously Published in Stirring Up Love and Mystery Anthology

  Rachael Stapleton

  My Evil Valentine Elixir

  Bohemian Lake’s most eligible witch, Sera Popescu, is brewing up a fairytale-worthy love potion this Valentine’s day, only it’s not for her. It’s for the supernatural contestants of Last Fairy Tale Couple Standing, a reality show being filmed at Gaslamp Literary where she works.

  The show is about supernatural contestants, like herself, finding their fairytale happily-ever-after’s. Unfortunately, someone is taking things quite literally.

  When a bachelorette ends up in a coma, Sera’s forced to step into some very tall, high-heeled shoes. She suspects her witchy friends of meddling, but keeps it to herself, secretly pleased to spend time with her crush, who is also participating in the competition. It’s only when the ghost of a past contestant enters the frame and accuses the host of murder, that Sera suspects sleeping beauty’s slumber was only a wake-up call. This is confirmed when another contestant takes an arrow to the heart. Everyone blames Cupid, but Sera senses there’s more to the story.

  Can Sera’s electrifying powers save them? Tune in for the shocking conclusion.

  ______________________________

  Copyright © 2019 Rachael Stapleton

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places and events are the work of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to real persons, places or events is coincidental.

  Contents

  My Evil Valentine Elixir

  One

  Two

  Three

  Four

  Five

  Six

  Seven

  Eight

  Nine

  Ten

  Eleven

  Valentine Love Elixir

  INGREDIENTS

  INSTRUCTIONS

  Mini Cherry Heart Pies

  INGREDIENTS

  INSTRUCTIONS

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Bohemian Lake Series Sets by Rachael Stapleton:

  The Bohemian Lake cozy mystery series is a world comprised of three sets. Each set focuses on a different Bohemian resident (s), although all of the books intersect.

  A Penning Trouble Mystery

  Murder, She Floats

  Murder, She Slopes

  Murder, Ye Bones

  Murder in the Catacombs

  Haunted House Flippers Inc.

  Cookies, Corpses & the Deadly Haunt

  Candy Canes, Corpses & the Gothic Haunt

  Crumb Cake, Corpses & the Run-of-the-Mill

  Crème Eggs, Corpses & the Farmhouse Fixer

  Black Cats, Corpses & the Pumpkin Pantry Coming Soon 2020

  Bohemian Murder Manor Mysteries

  Gypsies, Traps & Missing Thieves

  Make-Believes & Lost Memories

  Ouija, Death & Wicked Witchery

  Mistletoe and Hauntings

  Ferris Wheels & Fortune Squeals Coming Soon 2020

  Bohemian Festival Fiasco

  Nuttier than Pecan Pie

  Skate or Die Coming Soon 2020

  Bookish Adventures in Witch-Lit

  Scandal & Gretel

  Hyde & Seek

  My Evil Valentines Elixir

  Night of the Living Well-Read

  Read all about Rachael Stapleton and her books at RachaelStapleton.com

  One

  Sera Popescu stood on the ground floor of Gaslamp Literary, a normally peaceful bookshop in the heart of Bohemian Lake. Now, though, she was surrounded by little red hearts, camera men and boom mics. Beyond the chaos, through the Hallmark-like-dusting-of-snow that had gathered on the bookshop’s diamond-paned window, she could see couples circling the torch-lined ice rink, holding hands and kissing.

  If finding love at Bohemian Lake’s Winter Carnival was a gift Sera could give herself for Valentine’s day, she would. It would be better than the cozy red knit blanket she’d bought yesterday. It would be a shared marshmallow hot chocolate that warmed the senses and evoked feelings of nostalgia and love.

  Oh well, maybe next year that would be her circling the ice, laughing and holding hands. It surely wasn’t this year. She sighed and turned her attention back to the potions counter where she was brewing up a love elixir to help other people—namely, the cast of Last Fairy Tale Couple Standing—find love. Gee, I’m not bitter at all. She thought with a smirk.

  Pouring the last of the indigo powder into the beaker suspended above the Bunsen burner, she watched it dissolve into the bubbling ruby red liquid. Then she examined the small pink potion bottles—rose quartz for unconditional love—while she waited for the next batch to brew, looking for any imperfections in the hand-blown glass.

  None.

  Nelle would be pleased. Speaking of her boss, where was she? She hadn’t seen her since she brewed the last batch of the Aphrodite’s Elixir.

  By the time the cast and crew of Last Fairy Tale Couple Standing had arrived for their magical evening, the kitschy bookstore had been turned into an atmospheric bordello of love fit for Cupid—the Greek God, not the cheesy host of the reality show being filmed here. Producers, camera men, assistants, coordinators, makeup, and people from the network all mingled amongst the talent. The only thing, or rather the only person missing, was the shop’s owner, Nelle Storey. Sera glanced in the direction of the desk that served as the checkout counter. She could usually find Nelle standing there in front of the stained-glass window that depicted a scene from Beauty and the Beast. It was empty. There were beautiful women in sparkly gowns circulating the floor, men in fashionable suits and camera people aplenty all nibbling on uniquely spelled sweet treats—Blissful Bonbons and Cloud Nine Candy—as well as sipping from the signature charmed potions. But there was no sign of Nelle.

  And where was that spell book? It had been right here on the counter earlier; it was where they’d got the recipes for the elixirs. It would be just like Nelle to disappear with it during a party they were helping to put on. That woman was forever up to something.

  Sera checked the shelves beneath the counter but there were only the ingredients and empty potion crates. Strange.

  “Rhiannon!” Sera called to Nelle’s niece. “Can you finish this batch? I need to go find your aunt before the show starts. The spell book is missing.”

  Rhiannon nodded, “I think I saw her slink off with it. She’s probably locking it back away.”

  Sera headed through the main floor, stopping momentarily to adjust the old rolling ladder before she headed into the back stacks where two winding staircases led to the upper balcony and a double-sided divider wall that featured a fireplace hid her from sight. She yanked on one of the shelves’ books and heard the familiar click of the bookshelf unlatching. It wasn’t so much the bookshelf as the secret door hidden within it. Once she stepped inside, she closed the door behind her and realized she’d left her cell phone in her purse. Dang it. She already had a headache because someone from either the cast or crew felt the need to bathe in their perfume, she didn’t nee
d to fall down the stairs and bump her head too. The stairs were steep and didn’t allow for much light, so Sera had to feel her way, stopping every few steps to figure out how far she was from the next one. She heard the hollow clicking of stilettos on the hardwood floor off in the distance. Soft voices came into range.

  It was Nana Vianu’s voice.

  After a few seconds, Sera picked up Eve’s voice too.

  Sera strained to hear through the wall. She presumed they were up to no good from the electrical tingle dancing in her ear lobes.

  Nothing good would come from this.

  Sera heard one of them say goodbye to Nelle and then the door closed. They’d gone out through the downstairs door.

  She waited another minute and then carried on as loudly as she could so Nelle wouldn’t know she’d been standing there eavesdropping.

  Nelle was seated at her desk with her grimoire and though Sera thought she’d been loud, Nelle still yelped, and then laughed at herself when Sera barged in. “Oh, you scared me.”

  Guilty conscience much? Sera thought but just smiled.

  Nelle was skimming through the pages with Sera’s cat, Medieval curled up in her lap.

  “What are you doing all squirreled away in here?” Sera closed the door behind her. “And looking through your spell book at that?”

  “Oh, no reason. Just—!” Nelle paused in her sentence when Sera walked up and peeked over Nelle’s shoulder. Sera caught the words Sleeping Beauty before Nelle slammed the book shut. “—taking a break.” Nelle finished with a scowl.

  Medieval jumped down and rubbed herself against Sera’s leg.

  “Ah! Medieval. Did you miss me?” Sera bent to pet her.

  Nelle chuckled, “It’s that, or she’s trying to coax you into letting her out. I told her she had to stay in here during the party. She’s rather peeved.”

  Sera made a frowny face, “Poor Medieval. I’ll save you some elixir.”

  Medieval meowed and shuffled off for the couch in the corner.

  “Well, should we get back out there?” Sera asked.

  “Yes, of course. Let’s go!”

  “What about the spell book? Shouldn’t it be at the potion desk so we can verify ingredients when brewing?” Sera asked Nelle, who still seemed distracted. Then again, when wasn’t Nelle distracted.

  “No, I think everyone knows the recipes by now and if not, I’ll be around for verification.”

  Sera nodded and followed Nelle to the security television.

  “The coast is clear,” Nelle said, as she pushed the little red button to let them out. The wall slid back into its pocket and they stepped through the gigantic fireplace and entered the Adventure Book Club’s main gathering area.

  Sera remembered the first time she’d seen Nelle emerge from her secret study. The fire had been roaring and then suddenly it had gone out and there was Nelle, emerging from the lion's mouth as if it were an everyday occurrence—which it was. For that moment, Sera had presumed it was magic, then she noticed the secret door slide back into place. It was cleverly built into the right-hand side of the wall hidden within the fireplace—an ornate lion carved from stone. It was really quite the sight.

  The whole store was eye candy. Even this lower level, the ceiling was still high. It was a grand space with curved moldings and moody, purple damask wallpaper.

  They moved swiftly up the winding red-carpeted staircase.

  Sera grabbed a blissful bon-bon and a love elixir from the silver-rimmed tray in celebration as one of the waiters floated by. She was ready to take a break and enjoy. After removing the cork stopper, she raised the dainty pink topaz bottle to her lips and took a sip, her tongue tingled as the magical heart’s desire draught did its thing. It would be nice if it worked. Of course, finding your soulmate wasn’t that simple. The spelled brew would only work if her soul mate was actually there and what were the chances of that happening? Still, it was fun to indulge alongside everyone else.

  “Hey, pretty lady,” Sera felt someone’s hand brush inappropriately down her back.

  Her magical defensive system instantly went on high alert.

  She turned and saw the host of Last Fairy Tale Couple Standing, Cupid Zalure in his fake feathery costume wings. He smelled like imitation leather and cheap cigars. On the cover of a magazine, Cupid was Hollywood handsome, with a chiseled jaw and overly white teeth; but in person, he reminded her more of that 1980s wrestler that went by the name of Valentine. He did have a bit of a paunch but like most of the men in attendance, he was dressed up and that tended to hide it. The way he had his arm slung around Aurora, the gorgeous contestant unfortunate enough to be next to him, told Sera he thought he was God’s gift to women. How a man who looked like an overgrown baby with skin that resembled wax could have such swag was a mystery to her. She had the sudden urge to remind him that he was here to help that poor girl find her love match not pretend to be it, but she held her tongue. It wouldn’t do to tick off the prima donna host.

  He let a few blond curls fall in front of his blue eyes just so he could sweep them to the side, giving her this cockeyed, lustful gaze that couldn’t possibly work on anyone, and yet somehow did.

  “What can I do for you, Mr. Zalure?” Sera asked.

  “Oh, there are so many things you could do for me, darlin’.” He winked at her. “But let’s start with one of those aphrodisiac cocktails.” The aphrodisiac potions were in the green aventurine bottles and were designed to turn up the romance. Of course, that’s the one Cupid would want. “One for my friend, Roe here too, please.” He added, tilting his head to appraise Aurora’s assets once again.

  Sera turned and noticed one of the bachelors glaring. His name was Javier Bardo and he claimed to be a painter from Madrid. The man had a large and commanding presence that gave off a military vibe. Sera had a feeling he was lying about his occupation, though she had no real proof. Regardless, he didn’t like the host. That was obvious. Then again, who could blame him? Aurora grabbed Sera’s arm before she could walk away but then paused. She seemed to have noticed Javier staring. Was that chemistry between the two or hostility? Sera couldn’t tell.

  “Hey! Sorry,” Aurora said, snapping out of it. “I was just wondering, did this place used to be a church or a theater or something? It doesn’t look like any old bookstore I’ve ever seen.”

  “It was a library, actually, but you’re right. I thought the same thing when I first saw it. It’s very kitschy. Nelle, the owner, is eccentric,” to say the least, Sera thought to herself, “and she’s done some renovations to it.”

  “Nelle’s the witch, right?”

  Sera smiled and nodded. She wasn’t used to people being so open about stuff like that but this was, after all, a supernatural set. All of the contestants were extraordinary in one way or another.

  “So, what renos has she done?” The girl asked.

  “Well, I couldn’t really say firsthand as I only moved here after the fact but there are spider web glass windows below.”

  “Oh, we have those back home. Only there called cobwebs and my grandma’s always yelling at me to clean them,” she snorted when she laughed, and Sera couldn’t help but smile. She liked Aurora. The girl had spunk.

  “Now Roe, stop bothering the poor girl so she can run along and get our elixirs.”

  Sera did her best not to gag at the smell of him. She didn’t know how the girl was standing so close to him. “Coming right up,” she said, trying her hardest not to sound annoyed. Sure, she worked at the bookstore but it was very clear that she wasn’t one of the servers, who were all wearing red vests.

  Regardless, she moved through the crowd to the potion counter and grabbed two of the elixirs. When she returned with his drink, she noticed the producer’s assistant, Ariel, glaring at the two while whispering to three of the other bachelorettes. Apparently, Sera wasn’t the only one judging him for his behavior.

  As if to make an even bigger spectacle of himself, he smiled and made a kissy face at her.
/>   Sera had to bite her lip to keep from laughing. This guy was a joke. She moved off to the side to get away from him but she couldn’t help that she was still within earshot.

  “You know, Roe, I’d love to buy you dinner after we finish filming.”

  “I’d love that too, Mr. Cupid but I think Caravan Manor’s kitchen will be closed by then,” she said in the sweetest voice.

  “Oh, you’re probably right,” he offered up a smile so bright, Sera almost had to look away. He clasped her hand between both of his. “Well, maybe just a nightcap then.”

  “I don’t know,” the poor girl whispered. “I’m still getting over my ex, you know. To be honest, I thought I was ready to move on but I’m not so sure anymore.”

  “Really. I could have sworn I felt.... something magical between us.”

  Aurora practically swooned.

  Sera couldn’t believe this girl was actually buying his crap. Her pupils were completely dilated.

  One of the costume crew moved in to fix his wings while another set him up with a bow and arrow and thankfully one of the bachelors used that moment to sweep Aurora away. The room was then silenced and cued for recording.

  “And.... rolling,” a cameraman said.

  “Thank you for coming, everyone. It’s time to finish up those magic enhancing sweets, boozy drinks, and, of course, love potions,” Cupid said, draining the elixir Sera had just gotten him before opening his arms grandly. “Our magical red-carpet Valentines VIP party at the Gaslamp Literary has come to an end, and it’s time for tonight’s love connection elimination ceremony. Now everyone take your seat—”

  “Wait! That one’s shiny and this one’s moved out of position. Ariel, fix them!” Hazel, the producer, yelled at her assistant.

  Sera watched as the camera zoomed in on one of the tall dark and handsome bachelors—one she knew and liked—Daemon Wraith. He was wearing a rose gold suit similar to one designed by Tom Ford. His muscular shoulders strained against its contours and he looked uncomfortable, which wasn’t surprising since Sera had never seen him in much outside of jeans, leather and motorcycle boots. She wondered if he slept in them. Oh great, now she was picturing him half-naked in bed.