brimstone witch 08 - death of a rainbow nymph Read online

  “No, she isn’t. Theodwin told me how eager you were for him to get married to Metise. Why was that?”

  She glanced towards the open door. “I shouldn’t really say this, but I thought Metise was too good for Theodwin. Much as I love my son, he’s about as exciting as a wet dishcloth. I was worried Metise would see that in him soon and change her mind about marrying him. She brought out his best, but his best wasn’t that scintillating. Still, I reckoned that was as good as he was going to get and he’d only be like that if he had Metise in his life.”

  “Do you know if Metise had any enemies?”

  “Harmonia. Everyone knows that.”

  “Yes, I do too. I know Harmonia was jealous of Metise’s rainbow-painting abilities.”

  “Oh, I’m not talking about that. Harmonia didn’t want Theodwin and Metise to get married.”

  “Why not?” I asked.

  The elf gave me a direct look. “Harmonia’s in love with my son. She has been for years. I always thought they’d end up as a couple. They seem so well suited. Didn’t you know about her fondness for him?”

  I shook my head. “I’ll be having words with Harmonia about that.”

  Theodwin’s mum leant closer to me. “You might want to ask her about that rainbow she’s just painted. It looks exactly like the ones Metise did. I think Harmonia is trying to impress Theodwin. I think she wants to make a move on him. If she’s the one who murdered Metise, I don’t want her anywhere near my son.”

  Chapter 19

  I took the bow with me as I returned to Mellowoak. I was half expecting Stanley to be standing there, but he wasn’t.

  “You have returned,” Mellowoak said in his deep voice. “Did you have a fruitful journey?”

  “I did, thank you. Did Stanley come back this way?”

  “No, I’m afraid not. I haven’t seen whisker nor tail of him.” Mellowoak studied me for a moment. “You’ve got a lot on your mind, Cassia Winter. Would you like to share your worries with me? I’m a good listener.”

  I smiled at the friendly faced tree. “I do have a lot on my mind. I always do when I’m dealing with a murder investigation. Suspects keep relevant facts from me. I wish they could be honest with me from the beginning.”

  “Ah, but that wouldn’t be much of a journey, would it? And you wouldn’t gain much experience as a justice witch if your cases were settled in two minutes.” He chuckled and there was a sound of creaking wood as his face wrinkled up.

  “I suppose you’re right.” I looked left and right. “Where is Stanley? I thought he would have been back by now. I hope he’s okay.”

  “I’m sure your little friend can take good care of himself.”

  “I know he can, but I worry about him.”

  Mellowoak said, “Do you have somewhere to go? A suspect to interrogate?”

  “I do. I want to talk to Harmonia again. She was in the sky ten minutes ago.” I looked skywards and saw another rainbow. There was the vague image of a second one above it. It seemed that Harmonia was pulling out all the stops to impress Theodwin. I could see her moving around near the end of the second rainbow. Was she going to produce a triple rainbow?

  “I can tell from the frown of your face that it’s not possible to speak to Harmonia at the moment,” Mellowoak observed. “Who else could you speak to?”

  I looked into the bushes again. “I do have other suspects to talk to. Where is Stanley? He really should be back by now.”

  “Cassia, humour me for a moment and place your hand against my bark.”

  “Why?” I asked.

  “Just go with it. Please.”

  “Okay.” I placed my hand against his bark.

  I had a connection with trees and I could pick up on their feelings. As I put my hand on Mellowoak’s bark, a sense of calmness flowed over me and my thoughts vanished. An image came to me clearly followed by a single thought.

  I blinked in surprise at Mellowoak. “I know exactly what I have to do next. What just happened? Are you magic?”

  “I am. All trees are in this forest. But you’re magic too. Touching my bark cleared your mind and got rid of all worrisome thoughts.”

  I smiled at the tree. “I could do with you in my life at all times. I may very well build a house next to you so I can have you nearby.”

  Mellowoak chuckled again. “You don’t need to do that. Holding an image of me in your mind will suffice. I caught your thoughts too, and I know what you have to do. You’re going to Cupid’s office to look for Stanley. You won’t be able to think straight about your investigation until you know he’s safe. Am I right?”

  “You are right.” I hesitated before moving away. “Will you still look out for Stanley?”

  “Of course. And I’ll let the other trees know to look out for him too. If we spot him, we’ll let you know. Come back and see me anytime, Cassia Winter. I have greatly enjoyed your company.”

  “I have enjoyed yours. Thank you for your help.”

  With the bow in one hand and my broom in the other, I set off towards Cupid’s office. I kept calling out for Stanley as I went. I knew he could take care of himself. I knew he was a sensible cat. But that didn’t stop the niggle of fear which was growing in my stomach.

  I arrived at Cupid’s tree. I ran up the stairs and into his office. I imagined an indignant Stanley sitting on a chair opposite Cupid and giving him a piece of his mind.

  That wasn’t the scene which met me. I dropped the bow and broomstick in shock when I saw Cupid lying on the floor in front of his desk. His eyes were closed and his skin was pale. Blood pooled under his head.

  I ran over to him and crouched at his side. I placed my hand against his neck and felt for a pulse. There was one. Thank goodness for that.

  “Cupid,” I said quietly. “It’s me, Cassia. Can you hear me? Cupid?”

  Cupid’s eyes fluttered open. He took a second to focus on me. “Cassia? Is that you? What’s happened to me? Why am I on the floor again? Am I dreaming?”

  “You’re not dreaming. Try not to move. I think you’ve been attacked again.”

  “Have I? Again?” He winced. “Golly, the back of my head hurts. How is my office? Has it been ransacked again?”

  I took a quick glance around. “No, everything is okay. I’m going to send a message to Dr Morgan. Keep still.”

  He raised his hand. “You don’t need to do that. I’m fine.”

  “You’re not fine. Stay there.”

  I walked over to the nearest window, opened it and summoned a butterfly. I sent a message to Dr Morgan and then returned to Cupid’s side.

  “Dr Morgan will be here soon. Can you remember what happened to you?”

  Cupid gazed at the ceiling for a full minute. When he looked back at me, his eyes were wide with shock. “Yes, I can remember, but I’d rather not tell you. Could you ask another justice witch to come here, please? Perhaps your gran could talk to me.”

  “Cupid, you can tell me anything. If your latest attack is linked to the death of Metise, I need to know everything.”

  Cupid’s attention went back to the ceiling. “I’d rather not say. It will upset you.”

  “You have to tell me. Please.” I gave him a small smile. “I’m stronger than I look.”

  Cupid focused his attention back on me. “Okay. It was Luca.”

  “Luca?”

  “Yes, Luca.”

  “My friend, Luca? The one who was with me earlier?”

  Cupid dropped his gaze and his hands twisted together over his chest. His voice was low as he said, “I’m afraid so, Cassia. It was definitely Luca. He came into my office and threatened me. I remember it clearly now.”

  I sat back on my heels. “Why would Luca threaten you? This doesn’t make any sense.”

  “I know it doesn’t. When Luca came into my office, I thought he was here to talk about Metise again. I welcomed him in. There was a funny look on his face. It wasn’t a nice look. He said he’d been in a rush the last time he was here, and he hadn’
t hit me strong enough. He said he’d come back to finish me off.”

  “Luca admitted he was the one who attacked you before?” I stared at Cupid. My confused thoughts were whizzing about in my head. None of them made any sense.

  “I know this is difficult for you to hear, Cassia, and I wish I didn’t have to tell you this. Luca did admit he’d attacked me before. He said he was annoyed at what I’d said about you two not being a couple. He claimed I’d ruined his master plan by putting doubts in your mind about your relationship with him. For some reason, he needs you to believe you are soulmates. He said his master plan had been put into action months ago, and he had every detail worked out. He was angry with me for casting doubts on your feelings for each other.”

  I rubbed a hand across my forehead. “I don’t understand. Why would Luca say something like that?”

  “I don’t know.” Cupid paused. “How well do you know Luca? Has he been under the influence of any spells recently? Was he affected by the dark magic in Brimstone?”

  I continued to rub my forehead in the hope of making my troublesome thoughts vanish.

  Cupid continued, “Luca said he’d come back here to finish me off for good. He hit me with something, but then there was a noise outside, and he fled.” Cupid reached out and placed a hand gently on my arm. His voice was contrite as he said, “I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news. I could tell as soon as I met you and Luca that you weren’t suited. My gift can be a curse sometimes. Cassia, do you think Luca had anything to do with Metise’s murder? Do you think it’s part of his master plan?”

  “I … I …” I couldn’t find the words. I didn’t know what to say.

  Cupid patted my arm. “You need time to process this. Could you help me to my desk, please? I’ve got lots of paperwork to catch up on.”

  I blinked rapidly as tears sprang to my eyes. I gave Cupid my full attention. “You’re not going anywhere. You could have a serious injury.” I heard a familiar voice calling out a hello from the bottom of the steps. “Dr Morgan is here now. She’ll take good care of you.”

  I got to my feet. My legs shook as the horror of what Cupid had told me washed over me again. I took a few deep breaths and forced a smile to my face as Dr Morgan appeared at the top of the steps.

  She took one look at me and her smile of welcome vanished. “Cassia! You look as white as a ghost! Have you been injured as well as Cupid?”

  My smile wobbled as I tried to make it stronger. “No, I’m fine. Just tired, probably. Cupid’s the one who’s hurt. Can I leave you to it? I have to go.”

  Without waiting for an answer, I grabbed the bow and broomstick and made my way swiftly down the steps. I had to lean on the wall a few times as my legs kept giving way. I came out of the door at the bottom and collapsed to the ground. It felt like someone had taken my world and tipped it upside down.

  A pale yellow butterfly landed on the ground in front of me. It opened its wings and Mellowoak’s gentle voice sounded out, “Cassia, I have discovered Stanley’s whereabouts. He has returned to your gran’s apartment in Brimstone. Farewell for now.”

  I forced myself to stand up.

  Stanley.

  I had to speak to him immediately. He would make sense of this horrifying turn of events.

  Chapter 20

  Stanley was in Gran’s apartment, but he wasn’t alone. He was sitting on the sofa with Calypso at his side. The two cats were oblivious to my entrance and were looking into each other’s eyes.

  I put the bow and broomstick down and raced over to the cats. I knelt in front of them and said, “Stanley! I’ve been looking for you! I’ve got something to tell you.”

  Stanley didn’t take his glance off Calypso as he replied, “Hi, Cassia. I didn’t think you’d be back so soon. Have you met Calypso? Isn’t she beautiful?”

  Calypso put her paw over Stanley’s and giggled. “Stop saying that. You’re embarrassing me.”

  “But it’s true,” Stanley replied. “Everyone can see how beautiful you are. I want to sing a song about your beauty. Or write you a poem. Would you like that, my love?”

  My love? I stared at Stanley. Then I stared at Calypso. They only had eyes for each other. What was going on?

  “Stanley,” I tried again. “I’ve got something important to tell you. It’s urgent. It’s about Luca.”

  Stanley forced his eyes away from Calypso and looked at me. “Oh, hi. When did you get here? Have you met Calypso?”

  “You’ve already said hello to me.” My voice caught in my throat. “I have something really important to tell you.”

  Stanley turned his head back to Calypso. He said, “My darling, will you excuse me for a moment?”

  “Of course, my precious,” Calypso replied softly.

  Stanley jumped off the sofa and said, “Follow me, Cassia.” He padded over to the kitchen area, sat down and waited for me.

  When I got over there, I was shocked to see the impatient look on his face. Stanley had never looked at me like that before.

  “Well?” Stanley began. “What’s so urgent? Can’t you see I’m on a date?”

  It took me a moment to get over the harsh tone in his voice. I sat next to Stanley on the floor. “What happened to you, Stanley? What’s happened with you and Calypso?”

  Stanley smiled over at his friend. In a wistful voice, he said, “I’m in love. At last. I didn’t think it would ever happen to me. Then Calypso came into my life. She’s amazing. She’s made me open my heart to love.” He sighed happily. “She’s my soulmate.”

  “Your soulmate?” I was stunned. “Are you sure about that?”

  Stanley glowered at me. “Of course I’m sure! I know how my heart feels. What do you want, Cassia? What’s so important?”

  His words were so hard that they took my breath away. I swallowed and then began, “Cupid has been attacked again. He claims Luca did it. Our Luca. Cupid thinks Luca might have something to do with Metise’s murder.”

  I stopped and waited for Stanley to look as shocked as I had. He didn’t. He looked bored.

  He said, “Is that it? Is that what’s so urgent?”

  I nodded. “Stanley, what’s wrong with you? You’re not yourself.”

  He lifted his head. “I am myself. Finally. And it’s all thanks to Calypso. Was there anything else? I’m taking Calypso to the café soon. I want to introduce her to everyone.”

  “But what about Luca? And Metise?”

  “What about them? Cassia, this is your murder investigation. You’re a justice witch. You have to deal with this on your own. I don’t have time to give you any more support. I’ve got my own life to live.” He looked towards Calypso. “I’ve got my future to think about. You’ll have to manage without me.”

  He stood up and made to move away.

  I put my hand on his back. “You can’t mean that. Stanley? I don’t understand.”

  He shrugged himself free, gave me a direct look and said, “I’ve got Calypso to think about now. She’s my priority. I think it’s best if we part ways, don’t you?”

  “No, I don’t! Has someone cast a spell on you? Tell me who it was and what they said.”

  “No one’s cast a spell on me. I’ve fallen in love. You don’t begrudge me that, do you?”

  It took me a moment to answer that question. I muttered, “I suppose not.”

  “Good. Then I trust you won’t get in the way of my relationship.”

  “I suppose not,” I muttered again.

  Stanley gave me a curt nod and then padded back over to Calypso.

  I couldn’t move. I felt as if someone had bashed me on the head with a saucepan. What had just happened? Did Stanley just say all those words? No. Surely not.

  I stayed right where I was. I didn’t trust my trembling legs to support me. I was still on the floor when Stanley and Calypso walked past me a short while longer.

  Without looking at me, Stanley said, “Don’t wait up for us. We don’t know when we’ll be back.”

  They
left the apartment.

  I couldn’t move.

  I couldn’t think.

  I was too shocked to do anything.

  Something had gone very wrong in my world and I didn’t know what to do about it.

  I stayed where I was until my bottom began to feel numb. Using the worktop for support, I dragged myself into a standing position.

  Someone must have put a spell on Stanley. Maybe it was Calypso. Yes, that was it. She’d done something to him.

  A new thought flew into my mind. Ah, I had it all worked out now. Calypso was a shapeshifting cat who’d been determined to put a spell on Stanley. She’d turned herself into the other two cats first in an effort to lure him away, but that hadn’t worked. So she’d turned herself into her present form and worked her magic that way.

  I nodded to myself. Yes, that’s exactly what had happened. Well, I was going to sort her out. I flexed my fingers. I knew many magic spells. That conniving cat was no match for me. I’d soon sort her out and get my Stanley back.

  Feeling better, I moved over to the window and looked out. I could see Stanley and Calypso strolling around the square. Stanley looked as if he were singing to Calypso.

  I placed my hands on the glass and said, “I’m on to you, Calypso. Make the most of your time with Stanley because he won’t be at your side for much longer. Ha! I’ll show you! I know magic.” I waggled my fingers at her even though I knew she couldn’t see me. I couldn’t think of a spell to use on her at the moment, so I dropped my hands.

  My thoughts went to Luca. I knew what had happened to him now! A shapeshifter had turned into Luca and then attacked Cupid. Yes! Of course. Perhaps it was the same shapeshifter who was outside with Stanley now. Maybe there was a group of them. Yes. That was it!

  I put my hands on my hips and declared, “Whoever you are, you’ve met your match with me. Yes, you certainly have.”

  With that declaration made, I walked over to the kettle and switched it on. I needed a very strong cup of tea.

  Just when I thought I’d got my thoughts under control, a wave of fear washed over me.

  What if I was wrong?