Page 85 of Autumn L.A.W

She arranged the plants carefully in her bag, then flipped small handmade baskets over them, covering them completely. On top of those, she tossed a few more baskets at odd angles, creating a cluttered, meaningless pile.

Anyone peeking inside would see nothing but cheap, empty baskets.

Victoria zipped the bag and gave it a satisfied pat. “Hide in plain sight, little plants. Classic misdirection.”

Then she straightened, squared her shoulders, and headed for the docks.

Next stop: home, and the beginning of an even worse mission.

She disembarked in Mississippi, guarding her tote like it contained national secrets, and made her way north by bus. By the time she reached Tennessee, she smelled like salt, sweat, and slime. Perfect. Another lesson in humility.

She went straight to the crone.

The old woman took one look at the plant and grinned as if she’d just won something expensive. “You found it!”

“I did. Nearly died of humidity, bug bites, and jungle mysteries, but here I am.”

The crone inhaled the scent—carefully—then nodded. “Well done.”

“Bien,” Victoria said. “Now, how about your end of the bargain?”

The crone studied her for a moment, then spoke.

“The woman who took your body is living in your home. In Montréal. Your penthouse.”

Victoria went very still. Of course she is. Rage flared—hot, sharp, and immediate—but she crushed it down. No point exploding at the one person who’d just handed her the target.

“Merci,” she said tightly.

“One more thing,” the crone added, pressing a plant back into her hands. “Take one with you.”

Victoria blinked. “You’re giving it back?”

“You’ll need it.”

Well. That was either helpful or ominous. Possibly both.

Victoria tucked the plant into her bag. “I’m choosing to believe that’s good news.”

The crone only smiled.

Victoria exhaled, squared her shoulders, and turned toward the path back to the mansion.

The bitch was in Montréal. In her home. In her body. Living her life.

“Enjoy it while you can,” she muttered under her breath. “I’m coming.”

CHAPTER 19

As soon as the L.A.W. librarian, Duke, heard that Victoria had found a Kaleidoscope plant, he shouted, “Hold on. I need to see this plant. Don't let her leave!”

Joell, who had been keeping him updated, was taken aback by his unusual outburst.

“Okay, okay. Don't get your panties in a bunch. We’ll keep Victoria here.”

“I'll be there in a few moments.”

“Where are you, by the way?” Joell asked.