Finders Keypers

"Did we get a name?" I asked, looking over at Evo and Freida. Both shrugged. "Wow, are we the best or what?"

"Shut it, Jinx. You know Judas has that information." Shadow barked, clapping his hands to get the dust off.

"You sure she's a Gypsy?" Freida coughed, as she waved away the ashes.

"How many Gypsies do you know turn to ash in your arms?" Evo asked, taking a swig of his beer.

"One," I teased, "alright guys, y'all know what to do now."

"Another round?" Evo raised his empty glass.

"Bingo," I agreed, motioning Judas over.

He dropped off another round along with a note on the side. Shadow took a peak, folded it, and put it in his pocket. The rest of the night was routine. Shadow went off to meet mortals to fuck. Evo flirted endlessly with Freida. She was clueless putting his advances off as playful banter from his drunken stupor. As for me, I had the most fun. I got immensely drunk. Gambled with the Ghouls. Cheated with my witchcraft and got caught. I got into a fight, got thrown out by Judas, and finally stumbled home by five in the morning.

My eyes had barely closed when they snapped open again. The time was now 7AM. Only two hours of sleep?! Why had I woken up? My head was ringing, my chest was pounding. No. There was someone pounding on the door. They kept ringing the fucking doorbell.

"Evo! I thought I told you to take off that goddamn doorbell!" I shouted.

"How else am I going to wake you up when I come over?" He shouted back.

Confused and hung over, my hands blindly skimmed the floor for my clothes. All of which I had managed to take off before passing out in bed. I found a top and a bottom. Stumbling out of the web of clothes, food, and weapons my face slammed into the wall making it out first.

"Fuck!" I cussed, making my way into the living room. "Evo, what the fuck are you doing here?"

"Good morning, boss. Remember the lady last night? She hired us. Told us her famo would be over. We have to find her memories." Evo explained, "This is her sister-in-law."

"Katiana Luna."

Sitting across from him was another woman. She appeared young in age with a tone body. Straight, jet-black hair framed her face. Katiana was a very beautiful woman. Even Evo, who only had eyes for Freida, couldn't keep his eyes off of her. When I was growing up with my mom I remember seeing woman like Katiana. They had curves where women were supposed to have curves. Their lips were a perfect shade of red and their eyes made me fall in love with them. I envied women like her. At least I did, until I found the spell to make me just as good looking.

At the moment she was decorated with a colorful floor length dress. Her fingers were tangled in a silk scarf. Her hair was fluffed. Her makeup was perfect. I looked down. I was wearing old crusted panties and I don't even know what my top was supposed to be. I won't go into details about my hair. I will say that I caught a glance of it in the mirror and scared myself. Evo was preparing breakfast in the kitchen when I had stormed in. Shadow stepped out of the corner he was in. He smirked at the sight of me.

"Don't mind her, Mrs. Luna, she's only our boss." Shadow stated coldly. I flinched at his tone.

"Sorry, I was expecting you at a decent hour." I shot back.

"I am sorry. I couldn't wait. As soon as I read my sister-in-laws letter I knew I had to come to you." Katiana began. Her eyes appeared swollen. A sign of sadness? Or did she intend to confuse us with her pretty face and pouty lips? "She was killed. I know it."

"How do you-"

"Maybe you should get dressed before you get comfortable." Shadow hinted. His eyes glanced at my underwear which were barely containing my vagina flaps.

I cleared my throat and stood slowly, "Yes, why don't I go do that. It's bad enough I hadn't washed my vagina yet. Don't want you guys smelling it too."

Katiana's face shown hidden disgust. I blushed and walked out of the room. I could hear Shadow behind me in a lowered voice.

"Don't mind her. She hasn't had her coffee yet."

I went into the room. Wove a few runes in the air with my hands. Then went back out fully dressed. Hardly missing a thing. Katiana was surprised at seeing me return so quickly.

"I see why she sent me to you." Something in Katiana's eyes floated to the surface but was gone in an instant. Had it been fear?

"What do you mean?" I probed.

"You're a witch. Gypsies often require the assistance of witches. We do a lot of work with them. After all Gypsies and witches are related, bound by history." She explained, "I will have to get my daughter to help you. I'm sorry I cannot. If you come with me, I can introduce you to her and she can show you around our campsite."

She stood suddenly. Evo walked in with a few plates of food. My stomach growled in protest.

"I'm sorry if I offended you." I said, quickly, "I didn't know that my crew would bring you here while I was still naked."

She looked a bit startled at my apology. Then she burst into laughter. I relaxed a little and snatched a plate away from Evo. Offended or not, I was gonna fucking eat. Evo is a phenomenal cook and I don't say that lightly. Even Shadow, who's a half demon and doesn't have to consume mortal food to survive, enjoys his food.

"I don't mean to laugh." She said finally.

"It's okay, it gives me time to eat." I replied.

"Is it because of your...personal situation?" Shadow asked, changing the mood in the room.

Katiana became serious instantly. Her back straightened. She crossed her arms. What had gotten her so defensive?

"It isn't that I don't want to. I am...forbidden." She said finally.

"Forbidden to what?" I asked between mouthfuls.

"She's a wolf, Jinx." Shadow said. Katiana lowered her eyes.

"So?" I asked, again. "Oh, right, Werewolves can't talk to Witches or something?"

"It's a cruel, and ancient act of slavery. The Werewolves are there to serve the Gypsies." She began, but paused before too much could be said. Her eyes glistened as she looked me over. "If you're ready, Miss Jinx was it?"

"Yeah, just like the catch phrase! Funny story my mother named me that because her and my father said the same thing at the same time when I was born." I replied. "Which was way better than the name they actually wanted to name me."

Evo, Katiana, and Shadow stared at me quizzically.

"What?"

"What was the name they actually wanted to name you?" Evo asked.

"Oh, that, it was something Michelle or something." I said, making a face. They all exchanged looks.

"Right, I can see how that would be so appalling." Katiana finally agreed.

"And on that note, let's go," Shadow clapped his hands, moving towards the back room.

Freida was already waiting there. Her red curls were exceptionally bouncy this morning. Evo nearly wet himself. After formal introductions, we were on our way to Katiana's Gypsy Camp. Gypsies never stay in one place. They wander through time and realm in groups. Taking and keeping whatever they want. Their world is not without rules and order. More of which I hoped I would find out as this investigation continued.

Our transportation isn't the normal car ride. I didn't have magic just so I could walk around like a regular mortal. That's such a waste. Instead we used portal doors. In order to work a portal door, one must know where they are going and have been there. Or if you're like me, you get a key made by the locksmith. In my case, I have Freida. She dated some chick off by the Caribbean. They parted amicably and are still close friends. Turns out that chick is pretty good at portal keys and Freida is pretty good at bringing her business. Something I benefit from as the locksmith's number one customer. Freida took out a small, sharp, rusted key. The pikes were on the grips as well as the teeth of the key.

"This is by far the most difficult key I've ever seen," Freida commented.

"It is the Gypsy way. Pain will show how far you are willing to go to find the answers you seek," Katiana recited.

"What is that like a fortune cookie?" I scoffed.

Shadow slapped the back of my head. Freida rolled her eyes and opened the door with the Gypsy Key. What should have been the balcony of my apartment, ended up being an opening in a tree trunk. In the middle of a dark and scary forest. Freida, Evo, and Shadow walked through, after Katiana. I scribbled a rune on the knob secretly before allowing Freida to lock my door. Gypsies are known to be tricky. I didn't want to leave anything up to chance. The door turned into rotted wood on the dead tree.

I checked the pocket watch, Shadow had gifted me on my last Soul Day. The time showed 11:30PM. I could see the pale moon beyond the branches. There were no birds, no crickets, only silence. Katiana pulled a hanging cloak off one of the branches nearby. Lifting the hood on her cloak, she began making her way down the dirt road. Shadow slipped away into the darkness. He didn't like walking in packs. He said it made it easier to get ambushed. He was right.

We had come to a fork in the road. There was only an option to go left or right. Or so I thought. Katiana pulled at an invisible tapestry that revealed a hidden road. I could smell a fire. We were getting close. Katiana made sure we all walked through before returning the illusion of the invisible road. A snap in the woods caught our attention. I gripped Evo's hand which was already on his gun. I shook my head slowly. A howl ruptured the silence, we were surrounded. The Werewolves stood on two legs, foaming at the mouth and growling. The Gypsies bounced on the branches around us.

"Katiana, what the fuck is this?" I whispered angrily.

"It's okay. They are with me." Katiana shouted, ignoring me.

The trees laughed, "And who are you?"

"Alright, fuck this!"

"Evo, no!" I ordered. Shadow had already appeared behind all of them with a knife at their neck.

"Don't kill them!" came a voice, "Let them go! They're with my mom."

"Is she talking about them or us?" Freida whispered to me.

"Shadow," I motioned to let them go. Shadow disappeared again.

"Oktober!" Katiana rushed over to the woman in the shadows.

"Mom!" She greeted back.

Oktober was the splitting image of her mother. The same hair, eyes, body type. The other Gypsies crawled out reluctantly. They didn't seem to take too well to strangers. Katiana explained to Oktober why we were here. Silently, I wondered if Oktober also had inherited her mother's curse. Something I'd ask at a more private setting. After clearing the air the Gypsies that had tried to ambush us seemed relieved. They accompanied us to their campsite.

"We were told you'd be coming," Oktober explained, "This feast is for you."

At the entrance stood an array of people. Colorful tapestries, dresses, scarfs, and more decorated the campsite. Children's laughter could be heard but I couldn't see where they were coming from. The men wore no shirts. There was definitely some order in it. The older the men got, the more tattoos on their body they had. The young adults, carried plates of food and copper on silver plates. The Werewolves that had attacked us earlier had transformed back into their human state. They stood naked until others came with cloaks for them.

"Who told you we were coming?" I asked.

"My aunt, Lady Tofu."

I blinked, "Wait, that old lady's name was Lady Tofu?"

"Jinx!" Freida pinched me.

"Ow! What? As if you guys weren't thinking the same thing."

"That's just it, Jinx. We keep it in our heads!" Evo whispered, his spit flying into my eye.

"Say it don't spray it maestro." I remarked, wiping away the residue. "When did she tell you that?"

"This morning, I saw her in my dreams." Oktober replied, matter-of-factly.

"But that could've just been a dream." Oktober was already shaking her head.

"No, she was our Conjurer. She can speak even beyond the grave."

"I wish she'd tell me where her memories were." I muttered.

"What was that?" Oktober asked leaning in.

"I asked if there was a more private area we can talk." She nodded and asked me to follow her. Before joining her, I turned to Freida and Evo, "Alright, I got her. Shadow is looking for siren posts. Can you guys find her room? Evo, you know what to do."

They nodded and we broke away from our huddle. The group that had greeted us was enjoying the celebration. One of the men gathered the children and began playing a playful melody. It was very catchy. In a matter of seconds, everyone had begun to sing and dance. Wine pouches were shared left and right. Oktober had already made it to the main tent. I took the opportunity to look around. I could easily claim getting lost. All the tents and canopies surrounded the bonfire. The canopies were made of light, colorful cloth. People wove in and out of them the dancing continued. All the canopies appeared to be the same size except for a dark mauve one hidden behind the rest in a far off corner. Oktober stood outside, patiently waiting for me.

"Sorry about that. I couldn't help but look around. I've never been to a Gypsy Camp. This is very terrifying for me." I said, nervously. I could feel the back of my neck burning. "Are you truth trapping me?"

"Yes, I just wanted to see if you were legit. Wait? Why am I saying everything I'm thinking out loud? Are you using your magic on me!" Oktober's nostrils flared.

"Oh, I see you're the do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do type." I walked past her and into the tent. "I'll tell you right now, I don't respond well to being casted on. Your aunt asked me for help, not the other way around. So, mind telling me why I'm being treated like a suspect?"

"I'm sorry, I just wanted to make sure I could trust you. Honest." She finished.

"I know, you were still under my spell. I was going to ask your permission first but, oh well."

"You would do well to respect my daughter, Jinx." A man said, walking in.

"Dad!" Oktober rushed over to him. Katiana stood shyly behind him.

"Dad? Aren't you-" I stopped myself.

"Goliath the leader of the Eternal. I believe you've met my wife, Katiana." He turned to show the shy woman behind him, her head still bowed.

Katiana was a Werewolf. Married to the leader of the Eternal Gypsy Group that Lady Tofu was just murdered from.

"And the pot chickens," I muttered.