That Old Black Magic by Mary Jane Clark Page A

have a confession to make.”
    The older woman’s piercing blue eyes focused on
Sabrina’s. “What is it?”
    â€œI did something this morning before you came in. I
think I may have cost you money.”
    â€œHow?” asked Ellinore, pulling her hand away from
her gold wedding ring.
    â€œCustomers came in and liked the crystal chandelier
we got from the old Willis estate. You know, that one,” said Sabrina, pointing
up at the large fixture sparkling from the ceiling.
    â€œThe one you love,
right?” asked Ellinore with a smile.
    Sabrina cast her eyes downward. “I steered them to
the less expensive antique lanterns instead.”
    Ellinore reached out and patted Sabrina’s arm. “Oh,
don’t worry about that,” she said. “Who knows if they would have gone for the
heftier price anyway?”
    â€œYou’re the best, Ellinore,” said Sabrina with
relief, and she hugged the older woman. “All right, I’ll see you tomorrow, then?
Remember, I have my dress fitting, but I’ll be in right after that.”
    â€œTake the day off. It’s the last Saturday you’ll
have before the wedding. Besides, I know you love going to the parade.”
    Sabrina’s face lit up. “Really?”
    â€œYes, really. I’ll be just fine here.”
    Sabrina gave her boss another hug. “I don’t know
what to say,” she stammered. “Thanks so much!”
    As Sabrina started for the door, Ellinore called
after her. “Do me a favor, will you, before you leave? Attach a ‘Sold’ tag on
that chandelier.”
    Sabrina stopped and turned, her jaw dropping
slightly. “Oh, somebody else bought it?” she asked, trying to keep the
disappointment from her voice.
    â€œIt’s spoken for, Sabrina,” said Ellinore. “I
want you and Leo to have it as my wedding gift.”

Chapter 28
    B ertrand and Marguerite were waiting for Piper when she arrived at the bakery. Their expressions were grim. Marguerite’s eyes were a bit puffy, and Piper thought she’d been crying.
    â€œWill you cover the front for us, Piper?” asked Marguerite. “Bertrand and I want to go over to the police station and see what we can find out about what’s being done to make this neighborhood safer. It’s all so terrible.”
    Bertrand adjusted his big white apron. “C’est très tragique,” he said, shaking his head.
    â€œDid you know the man who was killed?” asked Piper.
    â€œNot well,” said Bertrand, “but I buy sandwiches from him sometimes. We—how do you say?—we are all in the same boat. We earn our livings on Royal Street and try to support one another. I buy from him and he buys from me. He enjoyed my beignets, I enjoyed his muffulettas. You see?”
    â€œOne hand washes the other,” said Piper, nodding.
    Bertrand paused as he thought about the expression. “Yes. That is it,” he said.
    Piper hesitated for a moment before asking, “Are you worried about your own safety here, Bertrand?”
    â€œI would be lying if I told you that I’m not, Piper. But I have a very good alarm system on this shop. If someone tries to break in, the alarm would wake the dead.” Bertrand pointed to the front window. “See? I have the security company logo right there where anyone can see it. I hope that makes any intruder think twice. But if that doesn’t work, I have a handgun in the office.”
    Piper turned to Marguerite. “Of course I’ll watch the shop. You two go ahead.”
    â€œThank you, Piper,” said Marguerite as she kissed Piper on both cheeks. “Come with me. I have a few things I want to go over with you before we leave.”
    Piper followed Marguerite to the office. Marguerite gave her the code to retrieve phone messages should she be unable to answer because she was servicing customers up front.
    â€œAnd here is the code for