Brimstone Witch Mysteries - Box Set 1 Read online

  Brimstone Witch Mysteries

  Box Set 1

  By

  April Fernsby

  www.aprilfernsby.com

  Copyright 2017 by April Fernsby

  Front Cover by www.coverkicks.com

  Proofreading done by Paula Proofreader

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, electronically or mechanically without permission from the author.

  This is a work of fiction and any resemblance to any person living or dead is purely coincidental.

  Contents

  As Dead As A Vampire

  The Centaur’s Last Breath

  The Sleeping Goblin

  As Dead As A Vampire

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 1

  “Why have you packed my suitcase? Do you want to get rid of me?”

  I pointed an accusing finger at my suitcase which was next to the kitchen table. “Have you had enough of me already? I’ve only been living back here for a few weeks.”

  Gran gave me a smile as she gently moved back and forth in her rocking chair in front of the fire. Her cat, Oliver was sitting contentedly on her knee.

  Gran said, “Of course I don’t want to get rid of you. Not permanently, anyway. It’s been wonderful having you back here, Cassia. I never liked the idea of you living in that cold, heartless apartment of yours.”

  I wagged my finger at the suitcase. “Well? Am I going somewhere?”

  “You are. Just for a while. Stop waving your finger around and sit down. There’s a fresh pot of tea on the table and some warm toast too. Have your breakfast while I explain everything.”

  I reluctantly sat down and poured myself a cup of tea. I added some milk and gave it a stir while keeping my attention on Gran. There had been a lot of explaining coming from Gran these last few weeks. The major one was that I was a witch. And so was Gran. I’d tried to ignore my true nature for years, and it had made me very ill. It was Gran who’d sat me down one day a couple of weeks ago and explained why I was feeling so bad. She said I needed to embrace my witch abilities. I was still getting to grips with them, but it was getting easier every day.

  Gran said, “Don’t forget to eat some toast. You’re going to need your strength.”

  I picked up a thick piece of buttery toast and pointed it at Gran. “Has this got something to do with me being a witch?” I took a bite and the deliciously salty butter ran over my tongue. Gran did make amazing toast.

  “Yes.”

  The toast was waved at her again. “Does it have something to do with our work in Brimstone?”

  Gran gave me an impatient look. “Yes, it does. Will you stop asking questions and let me tell you everything.” She tutted and stroked Oliver’s glossy, black fur. “Honestly, Oliver, she’s so impatient.”

  Oliver purred and said, “She gets it from you.”

  Another explanation. As well as being a witch, I can talk to cats and they can talk to me. That really freaked me out at first, but now I’ve got used to it. I took another bite of toast and waited for Gran to go on.

  She said, “You know the crime rate is on the increase in Brimstone. It’s that black magic at work. We still don’t know where the black magic is coming from, but it’s affecting the behaviour of many citizens in Brimstone. Well, you know that. You’ve been investigating the crimes with me. How many cases of theft and vandalism have we dealt with this last week?” She shook her head. “Too many. It’s never been like this before. I wouldn’t have been able to cope on my own. I can’t tell you how glad I am to have your help.”

  I swallowed the toast. “I love helping you, Gran. I’m having a great time, and I love meeting all the supernatural creatures who live in Brimstone. I didn’t know there were so many different species. I expected werewolves and vampires, but what was that creature again with three heads? The one who stole the motorbike from outside the town hall?”

  Gran frowned. “Gilbert? He’s a kind of ogre. I don’t want to talk about him. I’m still in shock over what he did. He’s never done anything like that before. Which confirms something evil is in the air in Brimstone. It wouldn’t surprise me if one of the witches from the outer lands has cast a spell over the town, just for the sheer fun of watching the chaos. Anyway, we don’t have time to talk about that now. The reason why I’ve packed your suitcase is because I want you to live in Brimstone for a while.”

  “A while?” I gulped. “How long is a while? A week? A month? A year?”

  “Stop panicking. I was only thinking of a few days. You can stay longer if you like. I want you to get to know the residents of Brimstone better. It’s hard for you to see who’s acting out of character because you don’t know them very well. As much as I love having you at my side when I’m investigating cases, the increase in crime means that we’re not getting around to all the cases. Very soon, we’ll have to split the workload between us and investigate cases on our own. I’ll still be able to help you so stop looking so petrified.”

  I reached for my cup of tea. “I can understand why you want us to split the workload. But am I ready for that? I haven’t done much witch training yet. I haven’t had time to read those books you gave me about the history of witchcraft and basic spells.” My hands began to shake. “I don’t even have a wand.”

  “You don’t need a wand. Everything you need is at your fingertips. Literally. Remember the spells you’ve already done without any training at all?”

  I nodded. I’d performed some spells, and each time I’d thought about the end result, and then a tingling feeling ran through my hands. True, I did nearly kill an elf during one of my spells. I’m sure with time and help I’d get better at it. I had to.

  Gran continued, “You’re a natural witch, Cassia. You can handle anything; I know you can. So, I’d like you to stay in my apartment in Brimstone for a few days and observe the residents.” She grinned. “I’m asking you to spy on everyone. I know how nosy you are.”

  Oliver made a tutting noise and added, “Cassia gets that from you, Esther.”

  Gran ignored Oliver and said, “There’s a set of keys to my place next to the teapot. Those are yours to keep.”

  “You have an apartment in Brimstone? Where is it? How long have you had it?” My eyes narrowed. “Why haven’t you told me about it before? What else are you keeping from me?”

  Oliver shook his head at me. “There you go again with all your questions. Stick another piece of toast in your mouth so your gran can get a word in.”

  I did stick another piece of toast in my mouth, but only because it was so delicious. I wasn’t taking orders from a cat, even one as bossy as Oliver.

  “I’ve had the apartment for years,” Gran explained. “It’s useful to have somewhere to stay if I’m working long hours on a case.” She smiled. “Or if I’m too drunk to make it back here. The apar
tment is above Mooncrest Café. You’ve been to the café and you know how central it is. There’s a marvellous view of Brimstone from the apartment. You can see everything that’s going on. The windows are tinted so no one can see you gawping out at them You’ll find a few pairs of binoculars dotted around the rooms in case you need to look at someone at the far side of the town square.”

  I was about to say in an indignant tone that I wouldn’t be spying on anyone, but I knew that was a lie. If my job as a justice witch involved surveillance work, then that’s what I’d do.

  Gran said, “The door to the apartment is next to the café. I’ve got a running account with the café, so if you need to get anything from there, you don’t have to pay upfront. There’s everything you need in the apartment including a fully stocked fridge.”

  I sighed. “It sounds like you’ve thought of everything. Do I really have to go? I like being here with you. Brimstone feels strange to me. I keep getting funny looks from everyone when I’m there.”

  “It’s because you’re so beautiful; just like me,” Gran said. She followed this with a wink. “Yes, I do want you to do this. I want you to involve yourself in Brimstone life. Get to know everyone better. Anyway, you won’t be on your own. Stanley’s going with you.”

  “I am?”

  Stanley, my cat and familiar, walked into the kitchen, sat down and yawned. As well as being my cat, he was also Oliver’s brother.

  Oliver jumped off Gran’s lap, padded over to Stanley and said, “What time do you call this? I’ve been up for hours.”

  Stanley gave him a sheepish grin. “Sorry. That cat bed is so comfortable. It’s hard to drag myself out of it.”

  Oliver nodded. “I understand. I know you’re catching up on your sleep after all those months of restless nights.” He looked my way and gave me an accusing stare. “All those months you stayed up late worrying about Cassia.”

  I returned Oliver’s accusing look. “I thought we weren’t going to talk about this again. Yes, I know Stanley’s health suffered because he couldn’t fulfil his role as my familiar. And, yes, I know I told Stanley all my worries and concerns every night when I shouldn’t have. Furthermore, I’m aware he had suicidal thoughts because I wasn’t embracing my witch side. And I know his fur has turned grey because of his worrying.” My voice rose. “I still feel guilty about the whole thing! And I will do for years. Okay?”

  Oliver said, “There’s no need to shout. I’m not deaf, but I will be if you carry on like that.”

  Gran got to her feet and walked over to Oliver. “Cassia shouldn’t have shouted at you like that, Oliver, but she is right. Let’s put the past behind us and concentrate on the present.” She looked at Stanley. “How do you feel about staying in Brimstone with Cassia for a few days? I’d like you to get to know the residents better.”

  Stanley stood up and smiled. “I would love that! Wow. A real adventure. When can we go?”

  Oliver said, “No time like the present. Stanley, there’s a great cat community in Brimstone. Let them know you’re my brother and they’ll treat you like royalty.”

  Stanley smiled even more. “This is so exciting! Cassia, when are we going?”

  I cupped my hands around my cup of tea. “I’m not sure. I’ll need to get myself ready. I haven’t made my bed yet. I’ll have to get all my toiletries packed, all my bits and pieces. And I’ll have to check my emails in case there’s anything important. You know there’s no internet in Brimstone.” I took a sip of my tea and could feel three pairs of eyes looking my way.

  Oliver said, “You’re making excuses. You’ve already checked your emails. There’s nothing important. There never is.” He looked up at Gran and said, “May I?”

  Gran nodded. “Go ahead. You’ll say it better than me.”

  Oliver walked closer to me, stared at me with his green eyes and said, “Cassia Winter, stop being such a wimp and get yourself over to Brimstone right now. There’s more than enough work for two Winter witches over there, and you can’t expect your gran to do everything.” He raised a paw. “I don’t want any more of your feeble excuses and your wishy-washy attitude. You have a duty to fulfil. Put your cup down, pick up your suitcase and get out of here. I don’t want to see your face for at least the next three days. Understand?” He wagged his paw at me.

  I swallowed and wished for a moment I didn’t have the ability to talk to cats. Or, at least, hear them.

  “Well?” Oliver demanded. “Why are you still sitting there? Move!”

  I jumped to my feet and felt like I should be saluting Oliver. I would be glad to get away from him for a while.

  Stanley wound himself around my feet and purred. “We’re going to have an amazing adventure. I can feel it.”

  I put a brave smile on my face, leant down and stroked his head. “Yes, Stanley we are.” I straightened up. “Let’s go to Brimstone.”

  I kept the smile on my face as I said goodbye to Gran and Oliver. I tried to ignore the deep feeling of unease and terror which was growing in my stomach. It had made itself known as soon as Gran talked about me going to Brimstone. I knew for certain that something terrible was going to happen there. And it was going to happen soon.

  Chapter 2

  We didn’t need a train or bus to get to the magical town of Brimstone. We got to it by going down into Gran’s cellar and walking over to the wooden door at the far side. The door was the entrance to Brimstone.

  I said goodbye to Gran for the second time, picked up my suitcase and headed down the cellar steps. Stanley walked at my side as we crossed the floor and headed to the exit door.

  When we reached it, my hand paused inches from the handle of the door.

  Stanley said, “Are you thinking about your mum again? You always pause a little when we get here.”

  I smiled down at him. “You know me so well. Yes, I was thinking about her. I can’t help it.” My hand rested lightly on the handle and I let thoughts from the past come to me.

  Up until the age of seven, I was a regular visitor to Brimstone with Gran and Mum. But something awful happened when I was seven. Mum went through this door one day and told me to wait for her to come back. I waited and waited. For hours. For days. For weeks. She never came back through the door.

  I blamed the town of Brimstone for taking Mum away and I refused to visit it again. It was Gran who’d forced me to return a few weeks ago. She was concerned about my health, both my mental and physical health. Trying to live a non-witch life had taken a heavy toil on me.

  Stanley nudged his head against my leg. “Cassia, you’re thinking about the past, aren’t you? You’ve got that glazed look in your eyes. Do you want to talk about it?”

  I gave myself a mental shake. “Sorry, Stanley. No, thank you, I don’t want to talk about it. Let’s get going.”

  I opened the door and took a moment to look at Brimstone town.

  Stanley purred and said, “I don’t know what it is about the air in Brimstone, but it always fills me with excitement. It feels like we’re going on an amazing journey. My heart is leaping with joy. Do you feel that too?”

  I nodded. “It’s like the first day of your summer holidays. Or waking up on Christmas morning.” I couldn’t help but smile, and that feeling of dread in my stomach faded. Perhaps I’d been imagining it all along.

  We stepped onto the cobbled path in front of us and I closed the door behind us. Brimstone town was set around a big square of grass. In the centre of the grass was a large, wooden gazebo which was painted white and had flowers adorning it. Around the gazebo were picnic tables and benches which always looked so inviting.

  We walked along the cobbled road and came to a stop at the end of it. We turned our heads and admired the beautiful tree to our left. At first glance, it looked like the tree was covered in leaves of a light green and yellow colour. But if you looked closer, you’d see the leaves were actually butterflies - Brimstone butterflies. The town is named after them.

  Stanley called out to the butte
rflies, “Hello there! What a beautiful day!” He made a hoarse, chuckling noise and looked at me. “I know they can’t talk to me, but I like talking to them.”

  I put my suitcase down, moved closer to the tree and placed my hands on the trunk. I had a gift of being able to pick up on the feelings coming from trees and the creatures on them. What I felt now made my heart soar and I knew the joyous sensation was coming from the butterflies. If the Brimstone butterflies were happy, then everything was alright in this town. Yes, I must have been imagining that feeling of dread earlier.

  I smiled up at the butterflies. In return, they fluttered their wings and a warm gentle breeze embraced me. It felt like a light hug.

  When I’d returned to Brimstone a few weeks ago, I’d had to deal with the murder of a werewolf. The murderer had captured one of these beautiful creatures and kept the butterfly, Sarah, trapped in a box. I was so thankful I’d been able to find Sarah and release her.

  Stanley nudged into my leg again. “You’ve gone into a daze again, a happy daze this time. Where are we going now? Have we got somewhere to stay in Brimstone?”

  I took my hands off the tree. “Oh, you don’t know about Gran’s apartment in town.”

  “She’s got an apartment? How long has she had that? And why hasn’t she told us about it before?” His eyes narrowed. “What else has she been keeping from us?”

  I laughed. “You sound just like me. Come on, I’ll tell you about it as we walk.”

  I picked my suitcase up and we walked down the street and towards Mooncrest Café. I told Stanley about Gran’s secret apartment.

  “Do you think she’ll have some food for me?” Stanley asked.

  “I’m sure she’ll have something for you.” I stopped at the blue door next to the café. Gran had told me this was the entrance to her apartment before we left. I looked towards the café and could see the owner, Gilda, inside. I said, “We’ll let Gilda know we’re going to be living in the apartment. She might worry if she hears footsteps above her.”