Since both bodies murdered by the demon so far had been found by witches, the Coven was handling the crimes internally, within witchdom, and would do so for as long as possible. There was no need to involve non-magickal authorities, who would have no way to pursue the killer or investigate the paranormal crimes. The non-magickal police force would only end up hindering things.

Earth magick cleaned up the site and the victim was reported missing to the non-magickal authorities. Rites and burials were performed by the victim’s magickal kindred. Most witches made out special wills with the Coven that were handled within witchdom as well. So when a witch died as violently as Angela had….

Isabelle closed her eyes, unable to make her mind go there. She still couldn’t bring herself to remember what she’d found when she’d entered the law office to pick her sister up for a late dinner. Her mind went white when she ventured anywhere close to those horrible memories.

Hungry no longer, Isabelle set the ice cream container on the windowsill in front of her.

Angela had been her only relative of consequence. Not only that, she’d really been Isabelle’s only friend. Their mother was still alive, but she didn’t know where Catalina was or how to get into direct contact with her.

Catalina wasn’t the warmest of mothers. She flitted around the world, hopping from one meaningless relationship to the next. She didn’t even know her eldest daughter had died yet. Isabelle had left messages with some of her mother’s male friends in Europe, but who knew when she’d contact any of them?

No, there was not much mother-daughter affection between herself and Catalina. The only way their mother knew how to express her love was through money. Catalina had set her daughters up nicely in that way, but true motherly guidance, compassion, or caring lay beyond her grasp. Isabelle had heard her mother express sentiments of love for them a few times in her life, but she wasn’t sure Catalina really meant it. As they’d been growing up, her older sister had filled the place for Isabelle where their mother had been absent. Most called Catalina a charming free spirit; Isabelle called her detached and selfish.

And yet, these days Isabelle seemed to be much like Catalina, a fact she’d only become aware of recently. The last person Isabelle wanted to turn into was her mother. The very thought gave her hives. It had been why she’d been in town to visit Angela. Isabelle had been seeking counsel from her calm, steadfast sister. Counsel Angela had never been able to give.

Without Angela, Isabelle felt adrift.

Although even in death Angela had given her an anchor. In her will, executed by the Coven, Angela had left her condo, all her belongings, and financial assets to Isabelle.