brimstone witch 09 - witch is dead Read online

  “Ah,” Alf said, “I see you’ve spotted one of our best sellers. That blanket is so soft that you’ll feel as if you’re wrapped in a cloud. We have it in a wide variety of colours.”

  Stanley said, “I do like what you have here, but I don’t like how you obtained them. It doesn’t seem right.”

  A dark look came over Alf’s face and his moustache bristled. He flew closer to Stanley and said, “What do you mean by that?”

  “You steal them, don’t you?”

  “Yes. And your point is?”

  “It’s not right. It’s theft.”

  Alf lifted a finger. “Ah, but it’s organised theft. We take items that are no longer needed. We collect broken and unloved items and make them good again.” He smiled. “Sometimes, we take items that we shouldn’t, but it teaches the former owner to be more careful with their other belongings.”

  “It’s still theft,” Stanley insisted. “And you’re making a profit from those thefts.”

  Alf gave Stanley a long look. “That’s true. I do make a good profit, but I provide a valuable service. I have many employees and I treat them well. I take broken items away at no cost and repair them. The owners often come here to buy their repaired items back. And, I do give a lot of money to charity. I support the Homeless Creatures Society.”

  Stanley stared at Alf and didn’t say a word. I didn’t know what to say either.

  Alf took advantage of the silence and said, “How many blankets would you like? We can gift wrap them for a small fee.”

  I found my voice. “I’m here to talk to you about Henrietta Whitmore. Do you know who she is?”

  Alf’s moustache bristled so much this time it looked like it was doing a frantic dance. Alf said tightly, “Yes, I know who that interfering witch was. I knew what she did to my precious Peanut. She had no right to do that! Peanut was my best worker and brought back amazing treasures from Dingy Skipper. Until that nosy witch intervened.” His little hands clenched into fists.

  I said, “It was Peanut who approached Henrietta for help.”

  “Who told you that?” Alf snapped.

  “Peanut did,” I replied. “We’ve just spoken to her.”

  Alf’s face softened. “Have you? How is she? We haven’t spoken since she gave up thieving. We had an argument over that and haven’t spoken since. She said she wanted to try a different career, one that didn’t involve pinching things.” He shook his head in disgust. “As if she could easily give up her thieving. It’s in her blood. I don’t know what that witch did to her, but I’m glad she’s out of Peanut’s life now.”

  “Did you ever meet Henrietta?” I asked.

  Alf looked away. “No, but I was tempted to go over there and tell her to keep her little nose out of my family’s business.” He looked back at me. “I’ve heard tales about that witch. She wasn’t as innocent as she looked. I’ve heard she had dealings with some very shady characters. One of her deals could have gone wrong and now she’s paid the price. Are you going to buy anything today?”

  “No, thank you. We might come back for another chat.” I looked down at Stanley who was gazing at a cat toy. “Come on, Stanley. We’ve got work to do.”

  We left the factory and flew away. I said to Stanley, “Did you notice how Alf described Henrietta? He said her nose was little and that she wasn’t as innocent as she looked. That doesn’t describe Henrietta in her evil-witch form which makes me wonder if Alf did pay her a visit, possibly at night-time when her enchantment spell had worn off.”

  Stanley nodded. “Why didn’t you confront him there and then?”

  “I want to get some more information on the Flashwings family before I do that.”

  A glimmer of colour caught my eye below us in the streets of Dingy Skipper.

  Stanley saw it too and shouted, “Look! Someone is chasing a hooded figure!” He looked a bit closer. “It’s Luca! What’s he doing here?”

  “Let’s find out.” I aimed my broomstick downwards.

  Chapter 11

  We zoomed down and kept our eyes on the two figures darting through the streets. It was much easier to see Luca as he was wearing a red T-shirt. They ran into a throng of grey and brown figures and we lost sight of them for a while.

  Stanley waved his paw. “There they are! They’ve gone around that corner!”

  We were too low now to fly safely through the narrow streets, so we landed on the pavement and raced around the corner where the two figures had run. We came to a sudden stop.

  Luca was lying on the ground and howling in pain. He had one hand on his knee and the other against his forehead. My heart missed a beat when I saw blood trickling through both hands.

  Stanley scampered over to Luca. “Are you alright? What happened to you? Why are you here? Did you catch that Lurking Elf?”

  I crouched at Luca’s side and made a shushing motion at Stanley. Luca’s face was twisted in pain as he stared up at me. I said, “Before you answer Stanley’s questions, let me ease your pain. I’m assuming your head and knee have been injured.”

  Luca pressed his lips together and gave me a small nod.

  “Are you hurt anywhere else?” I asked.

  A small shake of his head was followed by his moan of pain.

  I placed my broomstick next to me and then sent healing magic into my hands. After telling Luca to move his hands away from the injured areas, I held my hands over his forehead and felt the magic flowing from my fingertips to that area. The blood immediately vanished and the cut beneath it healed. I moved my attention to his knee and did the same. I even managed to repair the rip in his jeans.

  Luca let out a sigh of relief and sat up. He smiled and said, “Have I told you lately how much I love you? And you too, Stanley.”

  Stanley purred and nuzzled his face into Luca’s arm.

  I pointed at Stanley and said, “Don’t be nice to him. I want to know why he’s here.” I looked back at Luca. “If you’re here just to keep an eye on me, I’m going to be extremely cross.”

  Luca averted his eyes. “Erm.”

  Stanley patted him on the arm. “You might as well tell Cassia the truth. You know what she’s like. She’ll keep asking you until you admit it.”

  Luca looked back at me and gave me a big smile. The loving look he gave me sent warmth travelling all over me. I was trying my best to be angry with him, but he was making this very difficult.

  He held his hands out and said, “Yes, I admit it. I was worried and thought I’d keep an eye on you from a distance. Wouldn’t you do the same in my position?”

  “No.” I got to my feet. “I would have respected your views about looking after yourself and left you well alone.” I picked my broomstick up.

  Luca stood up. “Even if I’d been kidnapped by a bunch of nasty vampires? And even though a fellow witch had been killed in a town full of devious creatures? You wouldn’t have been concerned about me at all?”

  Stanley said, “He has a good point, Cassia.”

  “You’re not helping,” I said to Stanley. I tried to give Luca a stern look. He laughed and kissed the top of my head. I pushed him away. “Get off. I’m trying to be mad.”

  Luca said, “You can continue to be mad or you could ask me who I was chasing and why.” He picked Stanley up. “I bet you want to know the answers to those questions, my little friend.” He tickled Stanley behind his ears.

  Stanley purred and said, “Yes, please.”

  I sighed. “Go on. You might as well tell us. I’m still a bit mad at you.”

  “I know. Would you like me to tickle you behind the ears too?” Luca’s eyes twinkled with mischief.

  “Keep your tickling hands to yourself,” I told him. “We saw you chasing a hooded figure. One was watching us earlier. We think it was a Lurking Elf.”

  “I think so too,” Luca confirmed. “I turned up at Henrietta’s house a short while ago and I saw the hooded figure near the door. I shouted out a hello. The figure jumped and immediately ran away. I gave chase
and was gaining on him until we went around this corner. He had some rocks in his hands and was waiting for me. He threw them at me with a lot of force.”

  “The ruffian,” Stanley muttered. “Did you see his face?”

  Luca nodded. “I got a glimpse of his ears. It was enough to confirm he’s an elf. I’m saying him, but it could be a she. You think it might be a Lurking Elf?”

  “That’s what Vera Gilligot thinks,” Stanley told him. “She knows everything.”

  Luca said, “Lurking Elves are usually hired by someone. Gethin Devlin could have hired him or her.” He looked towards the streets surrounding us. “I’m going to make some enquiries about this. Someone will know something. If that’s alright with you, Cassia?”

  “Of course. That would be very helpful.” Luca’s earlier words suddenly came to me. “You saw the elf by Henrietta’s door? Was the elf coming out? I’ve left Tobias there by himself.”

  Luca frowned. “I can’t say. The elf had their hand near the door handle so I don’t know if it was to go in or if the elf had just come out.”

  Stanley jumped out of Luca’s arms and declared, “Cassia! We have to go to Henrietta’s house right now! Tobias could be hurt.”

  I said a swift goodbye to Luca, jumped onto my broomstick with Stanley and flew upwards and over the streets. We landed in Henrietta’s front garden and raced up the path. I used magic to open the door and we rushed through.

  “Tobias!” Stanley called out. “Where are you?”

  We heard a whimpering sound and followed it to a corner of the kitchen. Tobias was crouched behind his basket, his frightened face peering out.

  I pulled the basket out of the way and said soothingly, “It’s okay. It’s us. You’re safe now.”

  Tobias trembled as he came forward. He whispered, “There was someone at the door. They kept rattling the handle and shouting my name. I was so scared.”

  I picked the trembling cat up and put him on my knee. “It’s okay. They’ve gone now. You’re safe.”

  Tobias’ eyes were wide as he looked up at me. “I don’t feel safe. Someone is out to get me. I think it’s those vampires. They killed Henrietta, and now they want to kill me.”

  I stroked his little head. “I won’t let them. I’m going to find out who killed Henrietta and I won’t stop until I do, even if that means facing the Devlin vampires again.”

  Stanley moved closer to Tobias. “It’s okay to be scared. I’ve been scared many times. Things always work out for me, especially with Cassia at my side.”

  Tobias gave him a little nod. “I’ll try to be braver. Do you want to tell me what happened at Alf’s warehouse?”

  We did so.

  Tobias said, “I’ve never seen Alf Flashwings here. Do you think he was lying to you about meeting Henrietta?”

  Stanley nodded. “Creatures lie to us all the time. Did you find Henrietta’s notes?”

  Tobias sighed. “I didn’t. I’m so sorry. I can keep looking. I haven’t been much use to you, have I?”

  We all jumped as there was a knock at the door. It was followed by the sound of the door opening.

  I forgot to breathe as someone came our way.

  Chapter 12

  Vera Gilligot tutted loudly as she surveyed us quivering in the kitchen. “What’s wrong with you lot?” she asked. “You look as if you’ve seen the ghost of Old Wailing Wendle. Have the vampires been back here? Have they threatened you?”

  I shook my head. “You gave us a fright, that’s all. That Lurking Elf has been hanging around outside. Did you see him?”

  Vera put her heavy basket on the kitchen table. “No, I didn’t see him. But I’ve seen that handsome boyfriend of yours tearing around the town chasing someone. Was he after that Elf? Your fella’s quite a looker, isn’t he? I was almost tempted to chase after him so I could get a better look at those lovely, blue eyes of his. I expect he’s helping you with your case with him being a guardian and all. How far have you got with it? Did you go to Alf’s warehouse? Did you buy anything?”

  She paused for breath and I said, “We did speak to Alf. I suspect he called on Henrietta here at some time. Do you know anything about that?”

  “I don’t. If I were you, I’d ask some of the neighbours. Nosy bunch they are. Always gawping out of their windows. They can’t keep their noses out of anyone else’s business. Did you buy anything at the warehouse then? I’m keeping an eye out for a new teapot with matching cups. Mrs Delaware next door to me has got a lovely tea set that she hardly ever uses. I keep telling her to leave it on the doorstep so Alf can take it away. There are a couple of chips in some of the cups and I know Alf will sort those out before putting the tea set out for sale. He knows I’ve got an interest in it.”

  Stanley said, “Why don’t you ask Mrs Delaware if you can buy it directly from her? That would save a lot of bother.”

  Vera gasped and looked extremely offended. “I can’t do that! That’s so rude. And what about Alf? He’s got a job to do. I’ll pretend you didn’t say that, Stanley. You’re a stranger in this town. You don’t appreciate how things work.” She pointed to Tobias. “Is that cat dead or asleep? I can’t tell from here.”

  Her words caused my heart to miss a beat and I quickly focused my attention on Tobias. He was asleep. I stared at his rising and falling chest for a full minute to make sure.

  Stanley said, “The stress has got to him.”

  I nodded and quietly got to my feet. I whispered, “Let him have a nap. It’ll do him good.” I gently placed Tobias in his basket then moved over to Vera’s basket and picked it up. I was surprised at how heavy it was. I handed it to her and motioned for her to leave the kitchen.

  Vera took the basket and whispered, “I’ve got something to tell you. Let’s go into Henrietta’s front room.”

  I closed the kitchen door behind us and then followed Vera into the living room. It was a welcoming area and had been decorated with pastel colours like the rest of the house. Vera sat in an armchair and her legs dangled halfway down the front of it.

  Stanley and I sat on the sofa and waited for Vera to begin. As she opened her mouth, something occurred to me and I said to her, “You haven’t said anything about the house looking different.”

  “Of course not. I expected the enchantment spell to wear off once Henrietta died.”

  “You knew about the enchantment spell?”

  “Of course.”

  Stanley gave her an admiring look. “You know a lot of things.”

  Vera smiled at him. “I do my best. I don’t think anyone else knew about the enchantment spell. Although, Henrietta didn’t always close her curtains properly in this room. She sometimes left a gap and anyone could look through and have a good nosy. A lot of residents are very slapdash when it comes to closing their curtains on a night. The things I’ve seen! It would make your hair and toes curl up in shock. Take Sly Sally, I walked past her house last week and I saw—”

  I held my hand up to cut her off. “You said you had something to tell us.”

  “I did, and I was just getting to that,” Vera said with a touch of annoyance. “It’s about Cordelia. I know for a fact that residents complained to her about Gethin Devlin and his gang. I know because I made complaints about them too. They loitered around the end of my street for a full week once! Just stood there, they did, like they had nothing else to do. I had to walk on the road to get around them. And the evil looks they gave me made me shiver. I told Cordelia about them and she said she’d have a word with Gethin.”

  I nodded. “Tobias told us residents had made complaints about the vampires.”

  “Did he tell you Cordelia wrote everything down in a book and locked it in a cabinet in her living room? The cabinet next to the bookcase with the silver picture frame on it?”

  “No, he didn’t tell us that.”

  Vera gave us a satisfied look. “Well, there you go then. You should go to Cordelia’s house and speak to her about it. You’ll find out what those vampires have b
een up to. I’m sure there’ll be something in there you could use to arrest them. You are going to arrest them, aren’t you? You are going to rid the town of them, aren’t you? You can’t let them carry on as they are.” Her voice caught in her throat and I could see how upset she was.

  I gave her a confident look and said, “If I can find enough evidence, then I’ll take the appropriate action.”

  “That’s a feeble answer!” Vera declared. “What if you don’t find any evidence? What if any evidence has been destroyed? What will we do then?”

  I was at a loss for words. I didn’t want to make promises I couldn’t keep.

  Stanley said, “Cassia and I are dealing with this murder investigation. That’s our priority. Once it’s sorted out, we’ll deal with the Devlin vampires.” His tone turned more cheerful. “With a bit of luck, we’ll find out it was the vampires who killed Henrietta and then we can arrest them for that. That’ll save us a lot of time.”

  Vera sighed. “I suppose that will have to do for now. Are you going to question the neighbours now and see if Henrietta had any suspicious-looking visitors?”

  “We might do,” I said.

  “After that, you could go to Cordelia’s house and get those records of hers,” Vera went on.

  “We might do that too.” I didn’t like being given orders by a gnome, even if those orders made sense.

  Vera pushed herself off the armchair and slung her basket over her arm. “I’ll leave you to get on with it. Let me know what happens. If I find out anything useful, I’ll let you know. I’ll see myself out.” She left the room at a brisk pace and we heard the front door closing behind her a few seconds later.

  Stanley looked up at me and said, “Are we going to question the neighbours now?”

  “We are. Let me check on Tobias before we go.”

  Tobias was still fast asleep in the kitchen.

  Stanley said, “Shall I stay with him?”

  “He’ll be okay. I’ll put a spell on the front door to stop anyone entering. We won’t be too long. I need you at my side if we’re going to question the residents. You’re good at picking up on things that I miss.”