The Murdered Mermaid (A Brimstone Witch Mystery Book 6) Read online

  The Murdered Mermaid

  A Brimstone Witch Mystery

  (Book 6)

  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

  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

  About the author

  The Murdered Mermaid

  Chapter 1

  “So, let’s recap,” I said to Oliver and Stanley across the kitchen table. “Any one of the residents in Brimstone could be plotting a murder at this very moment. We don’t know who, and we don’t know where.”

  Stanley, my cat and familiar, nodded. “That’s right so far. That nasty, evil, malicious Astrid said she’d been secretly changing the memories of residents so that they’ll now have thoughts of murder racing through their minds.” He waved his paw angrily in the air. “I wish I could get my paws on her!”

  Oliver, his brother, said calmly, “What’s done is done. We have to deal with the fallout of what Astrid did. Carry on, Cassia, what was your next point?”

  I continued, “As a justice witch in the town, it’s my duty to deal with any crimes, including murders. Blythe and Gran are supposed to help me. But they’re missing in action, thanks to Astrid and her devious plan. The guardians of the town can help me with any investigation, but the one in charge, Luca, doesn’t remember me and looked at me with hate when we last met. Again, thanks to Astrid.” I picked up my cup of tea and took a drink.

  Oliver said, “And? We know all of this. Cassia, what’s your point?”

  I shrugged. “I was seeing how bad our situation is. I don’t think it can get much worse.”

  Stanley groaned, rolled off the chair and landed on the floor. “You’ve cursed us now. Things are going to get a lot, lot worse. In ways that we can’t even imagine.” He groaned again for good measure and rested his head on his paws.

  “Stanley!” Oliver admonished. “There’s no need to be so dramatic. Yes, things look bleak at the moment and Cassia won’t be able to trust a soul in Brimstone, but it’s not the end of the world.”

  Stanley looked up at his brother. “It feels like it. Luca doesn’t remember me either. We were friends; good friends.” He shook his head sadly. “And now Cassia’s too scared to go back into Brimstone. The residents have probably killed each other by now.”

  I bristled. “I am not too scared to go back! I’m just taking a day or two to gather my thoughts.”

  Oliver gave me a stern look. “You don’t have that many thoughts in your head, young lady. Have you come up with a plan of action yet? You can’t sit here all day drinking tea and hoping the problems in Brimstone will go away on their own. You’re a justice witch, the only one at the moment, and it’s your duty to deal with whatever is going on in Brimstone.”

  I put my cup down. “I know that. It’s just that…” I trailed off. I had no excuses. I knew I should go back to Brimstone and deal with the aftermath of what Astrid had done.

  Astrid had been a guardian in the magical town of Brimstone. She was also the girlfriend of my childhood friend, Luca. She had hated me on first sight and had let her feelings be known. She had hindered my murder investigations a few times and had caused serious problems with the last one I’d dealt with. She’d stolen a magical potion called Memory Mist which had the ability to change someone’s memories and how they would act in the future. Astrid boasted that she’d whispered murderous thoughts into many a residents’ ear. The result would be more murders in Brimstone. She’d also removed all memories of Stanley and me from Luca’s mind. I tried not to think about how coldly Luca had looked at me when Astrid had done that. That last part had happened yesterday, and I’d immediately returned to Gran’s house to metaphorically lick my wounds. And drink lots of tea.

  Oliver sighed impatiently. “Cassia! Come out of your daydream. You need to get back to Brimstone immediately and face up to your responsibilities! What will Esther and Blythe say when they come back and find the town in chaos and realise that you’ve done nothing to help?”

  “Okay, you don’t have to shout.”

  Oliver shouted, “I think I do! Someone has to! Are you a brave Winter witch or a scared little mouse?”

  “I’m a brave Winter witch,” I mumbled. I looked away from his accusing eyes.

  “Pardon? Was that the mumbling of a tiny mouse?” Oliver put his paw to the side of his ear. Who was being dramatic now?

  I slammed my hand on the table and declared, “I’m a brave Winter witch! I’m going back to Brimstone right now! I’m going to face danger head-on!”

  Oliver said, “There’s no need to shout. I’m not deaf.”

  Stanley called out from his prone position on the floor, “Quiet! I can hear a noise in the cellar. I think someone’s knocking at the door.”

  We all remained silent as Stanley concentrated on the noise. My heart missed a beat at the thought of someone knocking on the cellar door below us. The cellar door led to Brimstone. Despite me telling Gran many times to put a lock on the door, she’d refused. Which meant that if someone was now knocking on the door, they could easily come through and into Gran’s house.

  Stanley hissed, “There is definitely someone knocking at the door!”

  I went over to Stanley’s side and crouched next to him. “Is it an angry knock? Is it the knock of a mad creature who’s murdered everyone in Brimstone and is now after us?”

  Stanley listened again. “It’s quite a polite knock. There it is again. Whoever it is isn’t going away until you answer the door.” He got to his paws and said, “I’ll go and see who it is. You wait here.”

  I looked at my grey-haired friend and smiled at him. “Thank you, but I’ll open the door.”

  Stanley held a paw up. “No, I insist. I’d rather put myself in danger. It’s my duty to look after you.”

  I shook my head. “No. I’m the witch. I know how to do magic. It’s best that I go.”

  Oliver jumped down from his chair and let out an angry hiss. “You two are testing my patience! I’ll go!”

  He padded quickly away with his tail in the air twitching angrily.

  We went after him. He was nimble on his paws and was downstairs and standing at the cellar door before we caught up with him. Without any warning, Oliver popped his head through the cat flap.

  “Oliver!” Stanley cried out. “Don’t get your head chopped off!”

  Oliver’s head came back, thankfully still attached to his body. He said quietly, “I
t’s Luca. He doesn’t look happy.” He padded over to my side.

  I slowly opened the cellar door and looked out at my friend with a small smile on my face.

  My smile froze when I saw the hate in Luca’s eyes as he glowered at me. I’d never seen him look like that at anyone. What had Astrid said to him to make him stare at me like that?

  Luca thrust my broomstick towards me and said coldly, “You left this in Blythe’s house yesterday.”

  I took my broomstick and said, “Has Blythe returned?”

  “No.” Luca made to turn away.

  I went on, “Have you heard anything from her?”

  Luca looked me over before replying. “Not that it’s any of your business, but no, I haven’t. This is a polite warning; keep away from Brimstone. I don’t know who you are but I don’t trust you. If I find you in Brimstone, I will arrest you and detain you in a cell until Blythe returns.”

  I heard Stanley gasp in shock at my side. He suddenly leapt into Luca’s arms. Luca had no choice but to hold him. My heart twisted at the disgusted look Luca gave Stanley.

  Stanley put a paw on either side of Luca’s face and said, “Luca, don’t you remember us? Don’t you remember me? We’re friends. We used to play together when you were little. You’ve helped Cassia and me with our investigations. You must remember. You must!”

  Luca roughly placed Stanley on the ground and snapped, “Don’t ever do that to me again! You could have fleas.”

  Stanley’s head dropped and he took a step back. He mumbled, “I’m sorry.”

  Something snapped inside me. No one was going to talk to Stanley like that!

  I waved my broomstick in the air and said to Luca, “Don’t you ever, ever talk to Stanley like that again! I don’t know what Astrid’s done to you, but you will not take it out on Stanley or me!”

  Luca folded his arms. “Astrid? What do you know about Astrid?”

  “More than I want to! She’s messed with your memories.”

  He snorted in derision. “She would never do that to me. Astrid is the love of my life.”

  “Yeah? Where is she now?” I demanded. I looked over Luca’s shoulder to make sure Astrid wasn’t standing behind him with a sneaky look on her face. She had a habit of doing that.

  Luca said, “She’s gone away for a while on important business.” He frowned. “I think that’s what she told me.”

  “Pah!” I waved my broomstick in the air. “She’s told you a pack of lies. She’s been lying to everyone in Brimstone.”

  “She has,” Stanley added meekly.

  Luca unfolded his arms and jabbed a finger in my direction. “That’s a lie! You’re the liar. You’re the one who’s caused problems in Brimstone and I won’t allow you back in.” He reached for the handle on the cellar door.

  I was fuming with rage now and I bashed him on the hand with the bushy end of my broomstick. He yelped in surprise and pulled his hand back.

  I raised my broomstick in warning. My voice was steady as I said, “You will not tell me what to do, Luca. You are a guardian in Brimstone, but I am a justice witch. I am your superior whether you remember me or not. Thanks to your girlfriend, there are problems brewing in Brimstone, and I’m going to be the one who deals with them.” I took a step forward. “And you can’t stop me. Understand?”

  Luca rubbed his hand. He looked as if he were going to say something but then abruptly turned on his heel and walked away.

  Stanley said proudly, “Cassia, that was awesome. You really put him in his place.”

  I lowered my broomstick. “I wish I hadn’t hit him. I don’t know what came over me.”

  Oliver said, “It was only a tap on his hand. He’ll get over it. Perhaps you should whack him on the head and try to knock some sense into him.” He paused and added. “You did well, Cassia. You stood up for yourself.”

  Wow. Getting praise from Oliver was a rare occurrence. It boosted my ego and made me declare, “Come on, Stanley, let’s return to Brimstone. We’ve got work to do. Oliver, are you coming with us?”

  “No, I’ll stay here in case your gran comes back.” There was worry in his voice. “I’m sure Esther will come back soon. She has to.”

  I gave him a nod. “Okay. We’ll stay in touch with you.”

  I stepped through the cellar door. Stanley was right behind me.

  Chapter 2

  We paused and looked out onto the lovely town of Brimstone. A white gazebo held a central position in the large square of grass right in the middle of the town. Benches and picnic tables were placed around it and they were occupied by the smiling residents of Brimstone. Brightly coloured buildings were arranged around the square and many supernatural creatures strolled happily along the pavement.

  Stanley said, “It doesn’t look like anyone’s been murdered.”

  “Not yet,” I added. “I think we should pay a visit to Brin and see what’s been happening since we left here yesterday in such a rush.”

  We walked along the cobbled path in front of us and paused when we came to a tree covered in yellow and green Brimstone butterflies. I smiled up at them. There was a flutter of wings which sent a warm breeze my way.

  Stanley laughed. “It’s like they’re saying hello and giving us a hug. I love the Brimstone butterflies.” He waved at them. “Hello!”

  We made our way to the large house that Blythe occupied. She was a three-hundred-year-old witch who ruled Brimstone. Or she had until she’d gone off gallivanting somewhere with Gran. They’d left notes before they’d left informing us not to worry about them. Of course we were going to worry! I tutted to myself as I thought how irresponsible they’d been.

  Stanley must have heard my tut as he trotted at my side because he said, “Are you thinking about Blythe and Esther again?”

  I nodded.

  Stanley continued, “You shouldn’t be mad with them. You know it was Astrid’s fault that they left so abruptly. They are powerful witches. They can look after themselves.”

  I sighed. “I suppose so. But that doesn’t stop me worrying about them.”

  We walked along the sparkling path that led to Blythe’s front door. Brin opened it before we reached the door.

  Brin was a house brownie who worked with Blythe. She knew everything that went on in this town and I was counting on her to help us.

  Brin was wearing her usual attire of a white apron over a brown dress. She flapped a duster at us as we approached and said, “I’ve been cleaning this house non-stop since you left yesterday. Cleaning usually helps to soothe my mind, but it’s not working today. Have you heard anything from Esther?” She opened the door wider and we stepped inside.

  I shook my head. “I gather you haven’t heard anything from Blythe?”

  Brin shoved her duster in her apron pocket. “I haven’t.” She closed the door behind us and led us through to the living room. She indicated for us to take a seat.

  Once we were settled on the sofa, Brin pulled a small chair closer to us, sat down and gave us an intense look. She said, “I had a strange conversation with Luca yesterday. He claims he doesn’t know you. Tell me exactly what Astrid did to him.”

  I smiled at her. “How did you know Astrid did anything to him?”

  “Who else would be evil enough to do such a thing?”

  I told Brin about my last encounter with Astrid and how she’d boasted about the destruction she’d left in her wake.

  Brin’s lips tightened in annoyance. When I’d finished, she said, “Oh! That evil being! She’ll get her comeuppance! Somehow.”

  I twisted my hands together and asked, “I was wondering if there was something I could do to help Luca. Could I use magic on him to restore his memories? If there’s going to be a spate of murders in Brimstone, I could do with his help.”

  Brin shook her head. “We can’t take that chance. Astrid may have cast an extra spell on him and if you use magic on his mind, it could wipe out all of his memories. He wouldn’t even know his name. There is a chance that
his memories of you and Stanley might return on their own.” She gave me a small smile. “You’ll just have to win him over with your lovely personality.”

  Stanley sniffed and said sadly, “He threw me to the floor and said I might have fleas. I’ve never had fleas in my life.”

  I picked Stanley up and placed him on my knee. I stroked his little head and said, “Luca’s not himself. You know that. Once he gets to know you again, he’ll see how special you are.”

  “I hope so.” Stanley put his head on my arm.

  Brin looked towards the big window that overlooked the town. She said, “I haven’t noticed anyone acting out of character this morning. But there again, they could be walking around with murder in their minds but with smiles on their faces. There’s not much we can do about that. What a horrible situation this is.”

  “I know. I feel so helpless. Is there anything I can do? Should I talk to the residents and see if Astrid spoke to anyone recently?”

  Brin shook her head. “I saw Astrid talking to many beings recently when she was supposedly helping you with your last murder enquiry.” She turned away from the window. “There is something you can do. I’ve been informed of suspicious behaviour in an area of Brimstone. I’d like you to investigate that area and see what you think. It could be nothing, but it’s better to nip these things in the bud.”

  “Of course I’ll investigate. Which area are we talking about? The forest? The mountains?”

  “The beach,” Brin said.

  Stanley raised his head. “The beach? Brimstone has a beach? Where? Cassia, did you know Brimstone had a beach?”

  “I didn’t.” I looked out of the window as if expecting sand dunes to appear next to the gazebo. “Where is it?”

  “About ten miles away over the fields to the west. You have been there before, Cassia, with your mum.” She stopped talking and colour came to her cheeks. Mum’s name wasn’t mentioned often in Brimstone.

  I shifted in my seat and Stanley shifted on my knee. I suspected he was as uncomfortable as me about Mum being mentioned. Astrid had left us with a parting gift about information concerning Mum.