Deadly Focus (A Witch in the Woods, Book 15)(Paranormal Women's Midlife Fiction)

DEADLY FOCUS A WITCH IN THE WOODS JENNA ST. JAMES Deadly Focus Jenna St. James Copyright © 2023 by Jenna St. James. Published by Jenna St. James All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the author. This is a work of fiction. Names and characters are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. Created with Vellum CONTENTS Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 About the Author 1 “This is it, Shayla,” my very pregnant cousin, Serena, said as we stepped up onto the sidewalk in front of Charmed Images. “The last big item to cross off your pre-wedding list.” “I know. I can’t believe in a little over a month, Alex and I will be married.” “I can’t either,” Needles, my five-inch flying and talking porcupine partner, grumbled from atop my shoulder. “And I don’t think it’s for the better, Princess.” His wings glowed gold. “Well, except for the fact Zoie will be your stepdaughter. That’s a good thing.” I knew Needles was experiencing serious anxiety about the upcoming wedding. I just didn’t know if it was because he was escorting me down the aisle…or if it was because he was afraid of the upcoming changes to our lives. “Zoie and Alex both becoming family is a good thing, Needles.” I ran my hand over his quills. “Now, stop fretting. You’re making me fret, and when I fret, I eat. And if I have to have Diana Hedge over at Magical Stitches expand my beautiful wedding dress, I’ll never forgive you.” Serena laughed. “Okay, you two. No one is going to fret and worry about this wedding. That’s why I’m here. It’s my job to help you sort all this stuff out, Shayla. You did the same for me when I married Grant.” She rubbed her protruding belly. “And look how well that turned out.” “You’re about to shoot out two werewitches,” Needles said, his wings glowing red and blue. “How is that a good thing?” I laughed. “Hush up, Needles.” I wrapped my arm around Serena’s. “I’m just glad you could get away from the bakery a few minutes early.” “Mondays are usually slow—especially since school has started back,” Serena said. “And Tamara doesn’t mind closing alone. She’ll just use magic and have everything cleaned in no time.” “I should have had you bring me a caramel-dipped pretzel, Serena,” Needles whined. “I think my salt intake is low, and I could really use the boost.” “You have a bowtie you still have to fit into,” I teased. “Take it easy on the sweets.” Before Needles could reply, the door to Revamped Relics opened, and vampire business owner, Ramona Youngblood, stepped out. Despite the heat, she was dressed in black slacks, black sleeveless shirt, and sensible black slip-on shoes. Her dark hair was pulled back in a severe bun, and her face was devoid of any makeup. “Ladies, it’s lovely to see you today. Oh, and hello, Needles. I take it you’re on your way next door to see Nico Necroman?” She pursed her lips and shook her head. “Bad business, that one.” I frowned. “Bad business? What do you mean?” Ramona’s eyes lit up, and she leaned forward. “Well, you know I’m not one to gossip, but there’s been a lot of activity next door lately.” I bit my lip so I wouldn’t laugh out loud. There was nothing Ramona liked more than gossip, and everyone knew it. “What kind of activity?” Needles demanded. “What kind of activity?” Serena echoed. There were only a select few supernaturals who could hear Needles talk, and that was only because after a car explosion, something magical happened and those who were at the explosion could now hear Needles speak. Most supernaturals and Normals were still oblivious to his musings. Which, according to Alex, was a good thing. Ramona tapped her chin with her finger. “Well, let’s see. A couple nights ago—I think it was Saturday night—he had a fight with his brother, Arlon. I could hear the yelling clear over here. I couldn’t make out the words, mind you, but they were definitely yelling.” “His brother?” I mused. “So the Necromans are from Enchanted Island? How did I not know that? I don’t recognize the name.” Ramona smiled slyly. “Well, again, you know I hate to talk about other citizens, but from what I remember, the family left the island when Nico was a young boy.” She frowned. “I don’t remember the entire story, but I know Arlon was furious because he was in high school. He moved back to the island a few years later after the family all left. Just Arlon—no other family members.” I nodded. “So Nico and his parents remained on the mainland?” Ramona shrugged. “I guess so. Of course, that was like twenty years ago or something.” “I wonder why only Arlon moved back?” Serena mused. “I never asked.” Ramona winked at me. “If you can believe that.” I smiled. “I’m sure you didn’t want to pry.” Ramona grinned. “Something like that. But then, about a year ago, Nico Necroman moved to the island and opened a photography studio. I rarely see the brothers together, and when I do, they’re usually arguing.” “Anything else unusual?” I asked. “Well, just a few moments ago, Helen Witchborne came running out. I’m surprised you guys didn’t see her. I only caught a glimpse of her from my front window when she ran past, but I’m pretty sure she was crying.” “How does this guy stay in business?” I asked. “When I contacted him a couple months back, he