Mr. O'Grady's Magic Box

Chapter One

Aubrey Jules sat behind her desk at Unbelievable Finds, writing her latest article on her laptop about a clan of Irish werewolves named the Mac Tíre. Her source, Jim Thompson, claimed he dated one of the women from the wolf pack. They don't like to be called werewolves, Thompson told her. They call themselves moon shifters.

It proved unfortunate the moon shifter couldn't be found for the interview. Lack of proof didn't always hamper her ability to write an interesting piece. The small-time magazine's readers demanded legends and otherworldly gossip. Evidence would be a bonus, but not expected.

Her window blinds were open but Seattle's pelting rain kept the office dark and damp. The pipes rattled and groaned, telling her the heater would warm the place in about an hour. She rubbed her hands together then held them close to her mouth and blew. Her breath blasted a moment of warmth onto her frozen appendages. Shaking them out, she continued writing, her fingertips flying over the keyboard.

An occasional laugh and resumed conversation alerted Aubrey that Loretta Sinclair, her partner, was on the phone in the other room, but the words were unclear since the door to her office stood closed.

Unbelievable Finds' office space was small, an old building on the second floor not too far from the Space Needle. Posters of werewolves, vampires, and other magical creatures, which Loretta had bought at a flea market, adorned the tan painted walls. The hardwood floors in both rooms needed refinishing, but the flower throw rugs made a world of difference in brightening up the place.

Loretta had piles of newspapers, magazines, and faxed information about otherworldly finds littering her oak desk. Her antique black dial phone from the fifties wasn't high-tech, but she had a fax machine stationed on the gaudy lime-green file-cabinet that stood next to the water cooler. Loretta insisted on having the eyesore, said it added color. Bless her, but Loretta proved a distraction at times.

This is why Aubrey chose the back office. The magazine would never have an article for publication if she couldn't concentrate. She also preferred her desk cleared of clutter and had a file cabinet placed in her office, too. Her boyfriend bought her a bookshelf last year to match her mahogany furniture. All her reference books about myths, legends, and haunted places around the world were there, along with her Guide to Being a Ghost Hunter and How to Stake a Vampire. Her worn copy of A to Z Supernatural Creatures, which contained descriptions and origin of every preternatural being ever sighted, stood on the first shelf, number one in the alphabetical line up.

Yippee! Loretta shouted moments before she burst into the room. She wore her favorite 'got ghost?' sweatshirt over her blue jeans. Her pair of black-leather belted boots made clippity-clop noises as her thoroughbred legs made their way over to her. She rested her hip on the side of Aubrey's desk and slid her dark rimmed glasses back onto the bridge of her nose, her lips curving into a broad smile.

Aubrey sat back in the leather chair, regarding her with raised brows. You look mighty pleased with yourself.

We have another story. Her voice a draft of excitement matched her smile.

It must be good.

Oh yeah. She twisted her long red hair behind her head before leaning over to grab two pencils from the gargoyle pencil holder on the desk. Her nimble fingers stabbed each pencil through the bun, holding her tresses in place.

One day she'd have to learn how she did that. Her blonde strands would never cooperate.

How'd you like to take a trip to sunny California? Loretta slapped her hands on her knees with the Cheshire grin still in place.

Aubrey pulled her hunter green sweater closer around her. Warmth and sunshine? No rain? When do I leave?

Don't you want to know what the story is? Her chuckle ended with a snort.

One glance at her computer and the half written article, she prayed it wouldn't be another shapeshifter story. The suspense is killing me. What am I investigating?

A magic box that grants your heart's desire. I'm talking soul mates. Can you imagine? It happens once a year around Spring Equinox, the time of new beginnings. One lucky person is granted his or her wish. Loretta sighed and placed a hand over her heart. Isn't it utterly romantic?

Aubrey tried not to smile. Will I have the opportunity to interview someone who found their soul mate?

Loretta rolled her eyes. Of course, but not only one person but five.

This had her attention. Five?

Yes, well two couples agreed to take a phone interview and Mr. O'Grady who owns the magic box agreed to give us an exclusive interview. How lucky can we get?

Lucky. Her lips pursed together. Articles about finding one's soul mate didn't register as a high demand in the high-tech world of the Internet. Dating sites and online chat rooms could constitute as soul mate finders, but if the exclusive interview took her to some place warmer, she wouldn't bother pointing out the fact.

"I already booked a room at the Seaside Bed and Breakfast in Dana Point. Mr. O'Grady owns the place, been in his family for generations."

Aubrey nodded. I could give a back story about the inn, too. She enjoyed the historical aspect of her job the most. It brought the legends alive when she could back them with where and how they first originated.

This could be a good story for the magazine. Loretta's enthusiasm was always contagious.

Let's have a look at Mr. O'Grady's inn, shall we? Aubrey pulled the laptop closer to Google Seaside Bed and Breakfast Inn. Loretta jumped off her desk, peering over her shoulder to view the Victorian home with whitewash trim. Looks dreamy. Aubrey scrolled down the screen where a few photos of the rooms were displayed. Elegant queen size bed and antique furnishings only added to the enchantment. I wonder if Nelson could take a few days off from work.

Loretta snorted.

Aubrey raised one eyebrow at her. What was that for?

Nothing. Her tone spoke the opposite. "Go on. Call Mr. Carr and see if he can come out and play. I'll bet the stick-in-the-mud boyfriend of yours can't."

She shook her head with a sigh. I really wish you'd try to like Nelson.

Why?

Because he's my boyfriend.

Loretta waved her hand in dismissal. Only until you find the right man for you.

"He is the right man. He's smart, cute, and best of all, dependable."

You just described my Chihuahua-Yorkie mix, Jack-o-Lantern, but my baby knows how to greet a lady when she walks in the door.

What? Jump on you and lick you?

Loretta's smile grew wider. You need a good jumping, if you ask me and, honey, don't knock a good slobbery kiss until you've had one. Don't settle for the mundane when you can have someone who'll kiss you like you're the best thing since lemon pie.

Are we still talking about your dog? Aubrey teased.

Real cute. I'm talking about a man who knows how to kiss. The amusement dancing in Loretta's eyes put her on the defensive.

Nelson knows how to kiss.

"I'm surprised. Is there a Kissing for Dummies at the bookstore?"

I'll have you know Nelson is a very good kisser.

Uh huh. I'll have to take your word on that. Tell me one thing. How did you two ever hook up? He's all about facts, logic, and would never look outside his little box to view the world with imagination.

What can I say, her shoulders lifted in a shrug, opposites attract? I like how stable and level-headed he is. Keeps me grounded.

Like a lead weight, Loretta muttered before her grin slid away. Is that why you chose Nelson—because he's the opposite of Ian?

Aubrey spurted a denial with a harrumph. I don't know what you mean. She should have never told Loretta about Ian Quinn. Damn the girls' night out and too much tequila.

The hell you don't. You were in love with Ian...what was that young man of yours last name? Hmm?

Quinn, and he's not my young man.

You said his kisses ignited a bone-melting fire that spread through your blood.

I didn't say any such thing and even if I did, I was drunk. Though the words rang true. She'd been nineteen, taking a break from college to travel. She ended up in Ireland, hiking where the blue sky and the green rolling hills stretched out as far as the eyes could see. She explored the old ruins drenched with history and whispers of ghosts lurking in the shadows. She'd met a man, a boy really. Now older and wiser, she knew the difference. Ian Quinn. The memories of him drifted through her thoughts. His wild long hair with dark shades of brown and naturally highlighted with gold and bronze had attracted her first. Then her gaze locked onto his gorgeous eyes—a mistake but too late to correct. His lazy shade of blue held a mischievous glint as he stared at her and the corner of his sensual mouth lifted in a lopsided grin. Her heart skipped then raced and she knew nothing on earth would keep her from kissing those lips.

She shouldn't have started anything with him. He wasn't a local, just vacationing as she was before heading off to college somewhere in the states, the east coast she believed. At the time, details didn't matter. They lived to be with each other, letting the sea and wind guide them to the rugged Cliffs of Moher and to Blarney Castle where they explored the ruin and strolled through the Druid forest. They were drunk on their love for each other. The way he made love to her, the way her body responded to his every touch, hungering for intimacy that went beyond sex—he was everything to her.

Drunk, you say, Loretta continued without pause. Well, I'll have you know tequila is a truth serum.

Aubrey fluttered her eyes and prayed for patience. Listen, Ian and I had a reckless affair brought on by the magical charm of Ireland. Nelson is what I want. He's perfect.

Mmm-hmm, perfect is it? Nelson is tall, classy and his thick light brown hair adds to his good looks, but he lacks imagination. Everything is black and white. Gray wouldn't dare come into his picture unless it made an appointment.

I'll prove to you that Nelson isn't all about work. Her fingers punched in the numbers to his office. You'll see. Nelson can be…um…

Searching for the word, are we?

Romantic, she spit out with exasperation.

Loretta folded her arms across her chest and waited. Put it on speaker phone. This I have to hear.

The phone rang through. What if Nelson said no? Loretta would never let her forget it. She should hang up.

Mr. Carr's office. May I help you? Nelson's secretary asked, loud and clear over the phone.

Hi Cathy. Is Nelson busy? This is Aubrey.

Hello, Miss Jules. He's about to go into a meeting, but I'm sure I can catch him.

No, don't disturb— Music came through the speakers indicating Cathy had put her on hold. This wasn't a good idea. Nelson wouldn't be able to check his calendar and—

Hello? Nelson's deep, no-nonsense voice came over the speaker.

Nelson, I'm sorry Cathy bothered you. If you're busy…

No, no it's fine. Why did you call? It isn't Thursday already, is it?

Loretta mouthed Thursday. "You have a designated day to call?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, but Aubrey feared Nelson would hear her.

Aubrey waved at her with a definite look of be quiet or you're-so-dead. I know it's not Thursday.

I have you on the calendar for lunch at two.

Yes, I know. That's not why I called. Nelson, I have an assignment in California this weekend at a Bed and Breakfast Inn. I wanted to know if you could break away from work and join me.

Silence greeted her. He was going to say no and her thudding heart dropped a beat.

Nelson cleared his throat. I wouldn't be any help to you. You know I don't believe in the paranormal investigations. I would probably laugh. I don't suppose that would be good for your interview.

I don't mean for you to go with me on the interview. I'm suggesting a romantic weekend together. She looked over at Loretta who decided to take her seat on her desk again. Her ruddy brows rose high on her forehead.

I have a lot of work to— Nelson began but she cut him off, trying a different approach.

The Inn overlooks the ocean. Nelson once told her his best vacation had been when his parents had rented a beach house. And there's a hot tub in the room. She had no idea if this was true, but a little white lie wouldn't hurt.

Another pause.

Loretta lifted her hands palm up with a shrug, mouthing, I told you so.

Nelson cleared his throat again. I'll see what I can do.

Aubrey grinned at Loretta who rolled her eyes before jumping to her feet. She strolled out of the room, closing the door behind her. Loretta hated to be wrong.

It isn't a haunted inn, is it? Nelson asked.

Aubrey chuckled. "No. The owner owns a magic