The Millionaire and The Witch

Chapter 4

Nina felt an inexplicable connection with Brody, but she couldn't figure out why. As the conversation swirled around her, she wandered the room, drawn to the art on the walls. One painting, in particular, caught her eye. It seemed to shift, the figures moving like traditional dancers around a fire.

"Nina, care to join us?" Duke's voice snapped her out of the trance. She blinked, and the painting was once again a simple depiction of the woods. The dancing women were gone. She reached out to touch the canvas, feeling the rough texture of the paint beneath her fingertips, grounding her in reality.

Nina turned to Brody. "May I ask where you got that painting?"

Brody glanced at the artwork. "It's a family heirloom. I found it in storage when my father gave me the keys. I had asked to see my mum's old belongings."

"Where is your mother now?" Nina probed gently.

"She left us when I was little. My father assumed she went off with another man. I always believed she left for a different reason and vanished."

Nina hesitated, knowing her next question would raise eyebrows. "Has there been a history of magic in your family?"

Sam laughed dismissively. "You don't actually believe in magic and the occult, do you?"

"Mr. Tallman," Nina said evenly, "there are many things in this world that most humans are unaware of. This ignorance allows you to live what is considered a normal life. But it doesn't mean there aren't other things going on beyond your wildest imagination."

Feeling the room closing in on her, Nina moved toward the door. "I think I'm going to wait outside. Duke will catch you up on the information we have and why we think you are in danger."

"Wait a minute, Miss Nina." Brody walked over to the painting. "I've heard that people see things when they look at this painting. It's another reason why it was in storage. My family has had a history of witches and warlocks for centuries."

He walked over to the door where Nina stood. "I would appreciate it if you stayed, so I don't have to repeat myself when I explain my involvement with Professor Jefferson."

The room fell silent, an air of anticipation hanging thickly. Nina returned to sit near Duke as Brody positioned himself at the front, ready to share his story.

Samson, who had been listening intently, cleared his throat. "Before you begin, Brody, perhaps I should share what I've found about the case. I have other matters to attend to and—"

"Please, Samson," Brody interrupted, raising a hand. "Be patient. I believe my story will provide context for your findings. It will be worth the wait."

Samson hesitated but then nodded, reluctantly agreeing to stay.

"I didn't know about the magic or occult stuff that ran through my mother's side of the family," Brody began. "After my mother disappeared, my father cut off any links with her family. He was heartbroken and wanted to erase all reminders of their life together. My father spent most of his days working but made sure I didn't lack anything. My aunt practically raised me."

He paused, gathering his thoughts. "When I turned 30, I told my father I wanted answers about my mother and I would look for them. He didn't like the idea but knew I would search until I was satisfied. He handed over all her belongings he had kept for years, including her notebooks, research, tools of her craft, and a list of some relatives rumored to be practicing witches and warlocks."

Nina leaned forward, intrigued. "Any chance you can tell us about the land the professor was working on?"

"I will," Brody replied, "but first I want to show you something strange. We need to drive about 20 minutes to see one of my aunts."

The tension in the room was palpable as they all prepared to leave. The secrets surrounding the professor's death and the mysterious land beckoned, promising answers but also danger. As they headed out, Nina couldn't shake the feeling that this journey would unravel more than just a murder mystery—it would reveal truths buried deep in the past, entangled with magic and fate.