Harvest Moon

Thanks to everyone reading and reviewing. Sorry, I\'m absolutely exhausted from RL. I\'ll answer individually next time, I swear.



***

Draco pulled the car in front of the Gilded Lily as before and was once again met by Tazura coming out the front door in muggle casual wear.



“Break in the case?” she asked hopefully.



“Sadly, no. But at least we may have something to go on even if it’s odd.”



“Well, at least it’s a start,” she said, motioning him inside. “Do you have an identity for the newest victim?”



Draco shook his head. “No, not yet. How did you know about it?”



Tazura laughed bitterly. “The Prophet must be loving this one,” she said, motioning him to follow her inside.



“Doubtlessly.”



“And I’ll wager Luc is utterly furious.”



“That would be correct, I’m sure.”



Tazura sighed and closed the door to her office after she and Draco were inside. She walked around her desk and sat in the large chair, putting her head into her hands.



“I’m going to have to close until this is resolved, Draco,” she said, not looking up at him. “I can’t justify risking any more of my staff.”



Draco nodded. “I understand. But Taz, we don’t know who this latest victim is yet. She might not be involved with the club in any way.”



Tazura smiled a little. “You’re trying to make me feel better and I appreciate it. I might have a lead for you on the identity though. Since it’s pretty safe to presume the poor girl who was stuck to your family mausoleum was one of my employees.”



Draco growled and shoved his hands through his overlong hair. “Much as I hate to admit it, that’s probably true.”



“I have two women whom I’ve been trying to contact the past couple of days, no dice. One is Dee Dickerson and the other is Catherine Hartwell. I’ll give you their contact information. They can sue me later for giving their addresses and such out to law enforcement if it turns out they’re both fine,” she said, handing him a piece of parchment with the two women’s names and addresses scrawled on it.



“Thank you, Taz. I really appreciate it.”



“Appreciate it by finding out who’s doing this and letting them rot in Azkaban,” Tazura said firmly. “Now, what do you need from me?”



“Figured that out just from me being here, did you?”



Tazura shrugged and grinned at him. “It stood to reason.”



“Naturally. I need you to look through your logs. See if anyone was here repeatedly when my father was aside from regular customers.”



Tazura nodded. “I can do that. What about the regulars? It wouldn’t hurt to dig into them a little deeper as well. You never know if the killer used polyjuice or Imperioused someone to keep an eye on Luc while he was here.”



Draco paused for a moment before standing and walking around the desk. He took Tazura’s face in both hands and kissed her soundly on the lips. “Sweet goddess, Taz, you’re brilliant!”



“Thank you. I know,” she said serenely.



“Just let me know if you find anything odd.”



“That goes without saying. And Draco,” Tazura said.



“Hmm?”



“I’m having a temporary closing party next Friday. Please make sure your partner knows the appropriate dress for a Lady.”



“Oh? Ooooohhh. I understand.”



“Ara called me a little while ago to inform me that Luc’s house elf has been seeing things concerning her and Lady Granger. So, it seems the game is being stepped up a few notches. Therefore, the game needs to be taken up on our side too. We’ve come up with this little plan to lure the killer out. Think your partner go for participating in it?”



“I think she will. I’m not so sure my father will be happy about it though. If I know him, he’ll want to lock both of them away somewhere so they’ll be safe and alive.”



“Let me deal with Luc. By the way, safe doesn’t always mean one is alive.”



“Point taken. You know you aren’t supposed to be involved in an investigation.”



“I’m aware. I’m also aware of what’s at stake for me if this goes on much longer.”



“Be careful, Taz. I’m worried about you and my mother as well. Even though there’s been no indication the killer is targeting either of you.”



“I won’t take any unnecessary risks, Draco. I promise. Now go find your partner and get going on this.”



Draco’s lips quirked up into a smile. “Yes, Mistress.”



***



Lucius had escorted Arabella back to her flat and Hermione had Flooed back to her office to wait for Draco and discuss any new information Luna had come up with. Lucius had watched in fascination as Arabella traced her fingers over several wards before opening the door to her flat. He had followed her inside to make certain there was no one lying in wait for her. She had sighed, rolled her eyes and threatened to not beat him if he didn’t stop being overprotective.



“I can hardly do that, Ara. It’s in my nature.”



“I’m aware,” Arabella said, wandering into her kitchen before turning around and coming back to where he was standing in her living room. She stood studying him for a moment before saying, “Lucius, promise me that you won’t go looking for your brother without telling someone first.”



“Ara, what makes you think I’d do that?” he asked, sounding mildly aggravated.



“Past experience and I know you.”



“As you wish,” Lucius said, stepping over to her and giving her a fast kiss on the mouth. He backed away several paces. “I’m going to look for my brother. There, someone has been informed of my intentions,” he said before apparating out of the flat.



“Grrrrr! Impossible man!”