by Adele Abbott
Chapter 4
I’d been working my way through Sir Cuthbert’s list of employees, most of whom I’d been able to interview at the house. I was now catching up with the last few by visiting them at their homes. The next one on my list was Roger Tyler, the head gardener.
“Who are you?” he asked through the half open door of his flat.
“My name is Jill Gooder. I’m working for Sir Cuthbert Cutts. He gave me your name.”
“Why did he give you my name?”
The door was fully open now, and he stood towering above me. Roger Tyler had ginger hair, and a black moustache. It wasn’t a good look.
“I’m interviewing all employees, past and present.”
“Is it about that vase that’s gone missing?”
“You heard about it, then?”
“Everyone at the house knows about it. We’re not meant to say anything in case the papers get a hold of it.”
“Do you have any idea what could have happened to it?”
“How would I know? It’s not like I even work inside the house. I spend all my time in the gardens. I’d be the last person to know.”
“I thought maybe you’d heard rumours, or talked to the other staff about it.”
“I don’t listen to rumours, and I certainly don’t talk to the other staff. Look, I have to go out in a few minutes. I really don’t have time for this.”
With that, he shut the door in my face. As I turned to leave, I noticed a woman about to let herself into the flat next door.
“I wouldn’t take it personally.” She’d obviously seen Tyler slam the door in my face. “He’s like that with everyone.”
“Do you know him well?”
“No, and I wouldn’t want to. He’s always been the same—very standoffish, but recently he’s got even worse.”
“How do you mean?”
“He’s so full of himself. Thinks he’s a cut above everyone else. He’s only a gardener, after all. He drives around in that posh car of his, and thinks he’s really something.”
She pointed to a green Porsche in the car park below. It looked as if it had just come out of the showroom. How could he possibly afford a car like that? Maybe Roger Tyler was worth a closer look?
***
The next name on Sir Cuthbert’s list was that of Phillip Beaman who had been his butler until twelve months earlier when he’d apparently resigned unexpectedly.
Unlike Roger Tyler, Mr Beaman was very amenable, and was more than happy to invite me into his apartment.
“I’m not really sure how I can help,” he said. “You realise I left Sir Cuthbert’s employ almost a year ago?”
“Yes, but if you could answer a few questions, that would be most helpful.”
“Of course.”
“While you were working at the house, were you ever aware of any antiques going missing?”
“No, nothing.”
“How did you come to hear about the vase, seeing as you no longer work there?”
“I made many good friends while I was at the house. I still see some of them from time to time.”
“Are you still in contact with Roger Tyler, the gardener?”
“No. The indoor and outdoor staff rarely mixed, and besides, he and I never really did hit it off.”
“I’m curious why you chose to leave after so many years. You’re obviously too young to retire. Was there any particular reason?”
He shrugged. “Not really. I just felt it was time for a change.”
“Where are you working now?”
“I’m not at the moment. I thought I’d take some time off to enjoy my hobbies, and to travel a little.”
The apartment where Phillip Beaman lived was in one of the more expensive parts of Washbridge. The rent must have been extremely high.
“Do you have any plans to return to work?”
“Eventually, but I’m not in any hurry. I’ve always been careful with money. I have some savings, so I can afford to relax and enjoy life for a while.”
“Is there anyone among Sir Cuthbert’s staff who you think might know anything about the missing vase? Anyone in particular you think I should speak to?”
“No. They’re all thoroughly decent people. It came as quite a shock when I heard about the incident.”
“Okay. Well, thank you very much for your time. Here’s my card. Perhaps you would give me a call if anything comes to mind?”
“Of course.”
Although much friendlier than Roger Tyler, Phillip Beaman now also had a question mark next to his name. He’d said he was living on savings, but the rent on his apartment would have soon eaten into those. And yet, he’d seemed completely unconcerned.
***
“Jill!” I almost jumped out of my seat, and Winky actually did fall out of the window sill. Mrs G obviously had no idea how an intercom worked. She was shouting so loudly that I could hear her through the wall, and through the intercom.
“Yes, Mrs G?”
“I’ve got a man out here to see you. Shall I tell him to go away?”
“Who is he?”
“What’s your name?” I heard her yell at the visitor. “He says his name’s Drake.”
“Oh, right. Send him in, please.”
I hadn’t been expecting his visit, and my first thought was that maybe something had happened to his brother, Raven. But, as soon as he walked in, I could tell everything was okay because he had a huge smile on his face.
“Hi.” He gave me a quick peck on the cheek.
Wow! Things were looking up. I caught a glimpse of Winky out of the corner of my eye. He was pretending to make himself vomit. I ignored him.
“I’ve been doing some thinking,” Drake said. “Now I know that Raven is okay, it’s time I moved on with my own life. I thought I’d look for a property here in Washbridge. It would be nice to have a base here where I can stay from time to time.”
Oh dear. Much as I enjoyed his company, I kind of liked knowing that Drake was in Candlefield. I already had Jack in Washbridge, and of course, Luscious Luther. If Drake got a place here too, that could make things a little awkward. Not that I was actually dating any of them. But, as always, I lived in hope.
“That would be nice.” I managed a smile. “Have you found anywhere yet?”
“No. That’s why I popped in to see you. I don’t really know my way around Washbridge all that well. I thought maybe, when you have the time, you could come up with suggestions of areas to look at, and maybe even check out some properties with me?”
“Sure, but I’m a bit busy at the moment.” I caught Winky looking at me again. If he said anything, I’d kill him. “There are a few cases which need my attention, but as soon as I’ve got those out of the way, I’d be glad to help.”
“That’s great. Well, I don’t want to keep you from your work. I’ll call you later then.”
“Sure.”
And with that he was gone.
I could sense Winky’s one eye burning into me.
“Why are you giving me that look?” I said.
“A lot of work on?” He scoffed. “Since when?”
“I’ve got the missing vase case.”
“Wow! A missing vase. You get all the prestigious jobs.”
“Sir Cuthbert considers it priceless.”
“You’re priceless. Did you hear yourself? ‘I’m too busy’, ‘I’ve got so many cases on’. Why didn’t you just tell him the truth? You’re already struggling to juggle two men here in Washbridge, and three would be too difficult.”
“I am not juggling any men. I just happen to have two men friends here, and one in Candlefield.”
“So, that would be three then?”
“Yeah, but—”
“You had a go at me because I’m involved with Cindy and Bella. Now let me see—Cindy plus Bella equals two. The last time I checked, two was less than three, so I don’t think you’re in any position to criticise.”
“Oh be quiet. It’s none of your bu
siness.”
“Maybe I should let each of your men friends know about the other men in your life?”
“You wouldn’t do that.”
“Wouldn’t I?
“Salmon?”
“Red, not pink.”
“Obviously.”
***
“I’m so glad I caught you,” Luther Stone said, in his oh so sexy voice.
“Hello, Luther.” I hadn’t seen him since the misunderstanding over the ‘dinner date’ at my place. I’d been keeping a low profile since then.
“I have a favour to ask you, Jill.”
“Oh?” Anything for you, Luther. Your wish is my command.
“I’m having a new brochure designed for my business, and I thought it would be nice to include some photographs and quotes from existing customers. I realise that you’re a relatively new customer, but you are very photogenic—”
Oh my, Luther Stone thinks I’m photogenic!
“I wondered if you’d allow me to use your photograph, and maybe also to include a quote from you in my brochure? If it’s not too much trouble, that is?”
“No trouble at all. I’d be happy to do it. I’m free right now. I’d just need to go and get changed—”
“No, no. We don’t need to do it right this moment. I’ve got a few things to organise first, but I thought if you were willing, I could let you know when, and maybe we could do it at my place?”
His place? He was inviting me to his place! “Yes, I suppose that would be okay,” I said nonchalantly. Just try stopping me.
“Good. It’s a date then. I’ll let you know as soon as I’ve got things organised. Bye, Jill.”
Luther Stone had just said the word ‘date’. You heard him, didn’t you? He definitely said ‘date’. There was no misunderstanding this time. I had a date with Luther Stone! Yay!
Chapter 5
Barry came rushing up to me as soon as I reached the top of the stairs.
“Hi, Jill! I’m so pleased to see you!”
“Lovely to see you too, Barry. How’s things?”
I was surprised he hadn’t already asked me to take him for a walk. It was usually the first thing he said whenever he saw me.
“Jill?”
“Yes, Barry?”
“There’s something I want to ask you.”
Ah, here it comes—the walk.
“Can I have a friend?”
“A friend?”
“Yes. I’m all alone when you’re not here.”
“You have the twins.”
“Yes but, I want someone who’ll be with me all the time.”
Now I felt bad. Aunt Lucy and the twins took him for walks when I wasn’t around, but he still spent a lot of time by himself. I assumed he wanted another dog to keep him company.
“So, can I have a friend, Jill? Can I? Please! Can I, please?”
“I’m not sure there’s enough room for two dogs in this flat, Barry.”
“I don’t want a dog.”
“Oh? What do you want, then?”
“A hamster.”
“Huh?”
“You know—they’re a bit like mice.”
“Yeah, I know what a hamster is, but why do you want one?”
“Well, they’re very cute, and they’re very interesting. Did you know they go on a wheel and run round and round in circles?”
“Yes, I’ve seen them do that.”
“So, can I have one then, Jill, please? Can I have a hamster for a friend?”
I wasn’t sure the twins would be keen on the idea, and I had my own reservations. I decided the best course of action was to try to take his mind off it.
“Why don’t we go for a walk, Barry?”
“A walk! Yes, let’s go for a walk. Can we go to the park? I love the park.”
“Yes, we’ll go to the park. I’ll get your lead.”
Phew! That seemed to have done the trick. Hopefully, he’d forget about the hamster.
***
After our walk in the park, I made my way over to Aunt Lucy’s. She didn’t look very happy.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
“Yes, I’m fine.” She didn’t sound it.
“What’s wrong?”
“Did you know the twins aren’t talking to me?”
“Yes, they told me. I explained that you had no idea that the cakes were for Miles.”
“So did I, but they don’t believe me. I’m hurt that they think I would knowingly do something like that.” She forced a smile. “Anyway, forget them. I have some news.”
“What’s that?”
“Lester and I are going to get married next year.”
“That’s great!” I gave her a hug. “Do the twins know?”
“No, and I don’t see why I should tell them after the way they’ve been acting. You won’t tell them, will you, Jill?”
“Not if you don’t want me to.”
“They can jolly well wait to find out.”
“How is Lester, anyway?”
“He’s fine. He’s back to his old self. In fact, I would say he’s a better wizard now than he was before. But don’t tell Grandma I said that.”
“Don’t worry—I won’t.”
Aunt Lucy’s phone rang. Within moments of her answering it, I could sense it wasn’t good news.
“What’s wrong?” I asked when she’d ended the call.
“That was a friend of mine, Cynthia Pride. Her daughter’s gone missing in Washbridge.”
I could see Aunt Lucy was worried, so I agreed to accompany her to her friend’s house.
***
Cynthia Pride looked pale and drawn; her husband was doing his best to reassure her.
“Cynthia, this is my niece, Jill,” Aunt Lucy said.
Cynthia stood and came towards us.
“Please help me find Gertie,” she said, through her tears. “Please.”
“Can you tell me exactly what happened?”
Her husband stepped forward. “It would probably be best if I talk to you.”
Cynthia sat back down on the sofa.
“Shall we go through to the kitchen?” Mr Pride said.
Aunt Lucy stayed with her friend on the sofa while I followed Mr Pride.
“How much do you already know?” he said.
“Nothing really—just that your daughter is missing.”
“I blame myself. I had the chance of a job working in the human world—in Washbridge. It was too good an opportunity to turn down, so I persuaded Cynthia that we should move there. Gertie wasn’t very happy about it, but I thought she’d come around. This morning, she asked if she could take two of her friends to Washbridge to show them around. How could we say no? We knew how hard all of this was for her, so we agreed. She’d been to Washbridge with us a few times, so she knew her way around.”
“How did she disappear?”
“Gertie and her friends were doing a little shopping. For some reason, she stayed outside one of the shops while her friends went inside. When they came out, Gertie had disappeared. They waited for a while in case she’d gone into another shop, but after an hour, there was still no sign of her, so they came back to Candlefield to tell us.”
“Have you been in touch with the police in Washbridge?”
“Yes, we contacted them straight away. We spoke to a man called Jack Maxwell.”
“I know Jack.”
“He seems to be on top of it. He said he would mobilise all available officers. Your Aunt Lucy had told Cynthia about you, and we thought that, as you’re a witch living in Washbridge, you might be able to help.”
As he spoke, I could see the strain beginning to tell on him. He was just about holding it together.
“I’ll do everything I can. I’ll need to speak to the friends who were with her when she disappeared. Can that be arranged?”
He nodded. “They live close by. I’ll give their parents a ring now.”
While he did that, I put in a call to Jack Maxwell.
“Jack, it’s Jill.” I still hated how that sounded.
“Jill, I’m rather busy at the moment.”
“Just hear me out, please. Are you dealing with the missing girl case? Gertie Pride?”
“Yes. How did you know about that?”
“My Aunt Lucy is a friend of the girl’s mother. She’s asked me to help.”
“There’s nothing you can do. I’ve got all available officers on it. I understand she comes from out of town?”
“That’s right.” I didn’t elaborate. How could I?
“I have to go,” he said. “There’s a lot going on here. They even want me to talk to some kind of paranormal consultant.”
“A what?”
“Yeah, that was my reaction. It’s a new initiative the powers-that-be have dreamed up. Whenever there’s a missing child, there are certain procedures we have to follow, and the latest crazy idea is to bring in a paranormal consultant. Apparently, they believe that she may somehow be able to locate the missing girl. It’s absolute nonsense. Anyway, I’ve got to go.”
“Jack—”
He’d already gone.
***
Alan Pride had managed to get Gertie’s two friends over to the house. I asked if I could be alone with them; their parents didn’t have any objections. The two girls, Juniper and Holly, didn’t appear to be too shaken up.
“Are you both alright?”
“I’m okay,” Juniper said.
“It must have been quite a shock.”
“It was,” Holly said. “I don’t ever want to go back to the human world again. It’s horrible.”
“Can you talk me through exactly what happened?”
They looked at each other, and then Juniper began.
“We were walking down the street with Gertie. She said she knew a coffee bar where you can play drums and tambourines.”
“Yes, I know the one you mean. I’ve been there myself.”
“We thought it would be fun. We were on our way there when we saw a shop which sold vinyl records. Holly and I wanted to look inside, but Gertie wasn’t bothered—she said she’d wait outside for us. We were only in there a few minutes, but when we came out, she’d gone. We thought she’d probably gone into another shop, so we waited for her, but she never came back, so we magicked ourselves back to Candlefield, and told our parents what had happened.”