by Adele Abbott
I was about to find out one way or the other.
“Johnny? What’s up?” Simon said in a voice so low I could barely hear him.
“We’ve got a problem,” I had my fingers crossed that my impression of Johnny would hold up.
“What kind of problem?”
Result! He’d fallen for it.
“That witch has just been around here.”
“What? How did she find you?”
“That’s what I was going to ask you. Did you tell her anything?”
“Of course I didn’t.”
“Well, however she did it, she’s obviously no mug. We need to move Madeline.”
“Why? She’ll never find her.”
“Just like she didn’t find me, you mean?”
“Where are we going to move her to?”
“I know a place that no one will think of looking for her.”
“Where?”
“Never mind that. Just meet me and we’ll move her together.”
“Me? I can’t just leave the office.”
“Have you forgotten whose payroll you’re on? How long will it take you to get there?”
“Where?”
“Where do you think? Where we have Madeline.”
“An hour probably, but I’ll have to make some excuse as to why I’m leaving.”
“Get on with it, then. I’ll see you there.”
Call ended, I magicked myself to the corner of Victoria Street, from where I had a good view of Simon’s offices. Five minutes later, he came charging out of the front door.
He was in such a hurry that he didn’t notice he was being followed.
Simon took the tube from St James’ underground station. Fortunately, the station was busy, so he didn’t notice me standing a few yards down the platform, or getting into the next carriage. We were on the District Line, but I had no idea where he was headed.
When we reached Barking, he got off the train, and I followed. Once outside the station, I expected him to hail a cab, but instead, he set off on foot through the town centre. He was moving at quite a pace, but I managed to keep up without him spotting me. Fifteen minutes later, we were out of the town centre and into a housing estate.
I had to be much more careful now because there were far fewer people around, and a much higher chance he might spot me. If that happened before he’d reached his intended destination, I might never find Mad.
Halfway down the road of identikit semi-detached houses, he ducked down one of the driveways. I held back for a minute, and then followed. There was an old washing machine and numerous boxes of rubbish piled outside the front door, so I made my way around to the rear of the house.
Much more confident now in my ability to mimic Johnny Dawson’s voice, I knocked on the door, and shouted, “Simon!” Moments later, the door opened. “Surprise!”
Before he could react, I had him bound hand and foot.
“What are you doing?” He yelled. “I came here to rescue Mad.”
“Nice try, Simon, but the game’s up. How much did they pay you to betray your partner?”
“It wasn’t like that.”
“Tell it to Aubrey. I’m sure he’ll give you a fair hearing.”
“Honestly, this is all a big mistake.”
I’d heard enough of his pathetic lies, so I gagged him and then went in search of Mad.
Chapter 20
“Am I pleased to see you,” Mad managed to say through her dry lips after I’d removed the gag from her mouth. “How did you find me?”
“Never mind that. Let’s get you free first.”
Once I’d managed to untie her, she shook her arms and legs, which had gone dead. “Thanks, Jill.”
“You asked how I found you. It was Simon.”
“That man is a star.”
“Not really. He was in on this; he’s on the Dawsons’ payroll.”
“No! Are you sure?”
“Positive. It was his phone call to Johnny Dawson that tipped me off in the first place.”
“The louse. Wait until I get my hands on him.”
“You won’t have to wait for long. He’s downstairs, but he’s rather tied up at the moment. What happened to you, anyway? How did they get you here?”
“I’m not sure. The last thing I remember is feeling a bit queasy when I left the office. I came over light-headed, as though I was going to faint, and the next thing I knew I woke up here.” She glanced around. “Where is here, anyway?”
“You’re in Barking.”
“Simon must have dropped something into my coffee before I left the office.”
“I’m glad you’re okay, Mad, but I really do need to be getting back. Can you see to Simon?”
“Don’t worry, it will be my absolute pleasure.”
“I bet. I’m also going to need you to do a couple of other things for me, please.”
“Just name them.”
“Johnny Dawson is fast asleep in his apartment. If I give you the address, can you send someone around there to pick him up?”
“No problem.”
“Do you have anyone who can reverse a ‘sleep’ spell?”
“Yeah, we have a few wizards and witches we can call on for that kind of thing. What else did you want me to do?”
“Give your mother a call, would you? Deli is beside herself with worry about you. She was the one who tipped me off that you were missing in the first place.”
“Will do. Thanks again, Jill. I really owe you one for this.”
“No problem. Incidentally, Chester called by my office the other day, to introduce himself.”
“Chester?”
“Your replacement in Washbridge.”
“My replacement is a woman by the name of Nadia.”
***
After magicking myself back from Barking, I picked up my car and drove straight home.
For some reason, everyone on my street had parked their vehicles on the road instead of on their driveways.
How very unusual.
I didn’t have time to dwell on it because I’d no sooner got out of the car than I heard someone shout my name.
Mr Hosey was running up the street, waving his arms in the air to get my attention—just what I needed after the day I’d had.
“Thank goodness I caught you.” He was red in the face and struggling for breath.
“I really must get inside, Mr Hosey. Is it urgent?”
“Imperative, actually. I wanted to make absolutely sure that you don’t object to my world record attempt because it’s happening first thing in the morning.”
“Your train thingy?”
“That’s right. My attempt at the world’s longest model railway track.”
“No objection whatsoever. Knock yourself out.” Anything that would keep him out of my hair was okay with me.
“Excellent. I’ve consulted with everyone else on the streets involved. Yours was the only house left for me to check.”
“Great.” I started for the door, but didn’t get very far.
“Where’s your banner, Jill?”
“Sorry?”
“The Re-elect Hosey banner that I gave you?”
“Oh, right. That banner. Sophie did for it.”
“Who’s Sophie?”
“Storm Sophie. It blew it away. I chased after it, but it disappeared into the distance.”
“I wasn’t aware we’d had a storm?”
“Oh yes. Saturday, during the night. Terrible it was.”
“Strange. I must have slept through it.”
“You’re obviously like Jack; a deep sleeper.”
“I’m afraid I don’t have any more banners left.”
“That’s a shame. Anyway, I must be getting on.”
“I see Hosey collared you.” Jack was in the lounge.
“Couldn’t you arrest him?”
“For what?”
“I don’t know. On trumped up charges for all I care. Just make sure he gets a long stretch inside.”
“What’s going on with the cars? Why is everyone parked on the road?”
“No idea. I was going to ask you the same thing.”
“Did you manage to get everything done today?”
“Just about.”
“What about Mad? Any more news on her?”
“I found her; she’s okay. She was being held captive in Barking of all places.”
“By who?”
“A crook whose brother is in court next week. Mad is due to testify against him.”
“How did you find her?”
“Her partner was in on it. He led me to her.”
“I bet Mad will have a few choice words to say to him.”
“If I know Mad, Simon will be pleased to get behind bars.”
“I bet you’re looking forward to a relaxing evening in front of the TV.”
“Chance would be a fine thing. Have you forgotten it’s my mum and dad’s shindig tonight?”
“Oh yeah. The anniversary party.”
“Their totally fake anniversary party, you mean.”
“Do you really intend to turn up without a present or even a card?”
“You’d better believe it, and I plan to stay no longer than I absolutely have to.”
While I was trying to decide what to wear for the stupid party, I got a call from Kathy.
“I can’t talk, Kathy. I’m on my way out in a couple of minutes.”
“This won’t take long. I wanted to tell you that I did what you suggested. I called Martin Macabre and said he had to get the lease to me by end of business tomorrow.”
“Judging by your mood, it must have gone well.”
“He came straight over. It’s all signed and sealed.”
“That’s great. I’m really pleased for you.”
“How did you know he’d go for it, Jill?”
“You forget your sister is a top businesswoman.”
“It’s a good job you are because your P.I. skills leave a bit to be desired.”
“Charming. What do you mean by that?”
“What happened the other night at Washbridge House? Did you fall asleep on the job?”
“Of course I didn’t.”
“How do you explain the flowers that were taken, then?”
“I—err—I’m not sure. Maybe the fairies took them.”
“Very funny. Anyway, touch wood, no more have been taken since then, so Pete’s still in with a chance in the competition.”
“That’s great. Tell him good luck from me.”
***
“You look gorgeous,” Jack said.
“Thank you, kind sir.” I gave him a kiss. “I wish there was some way I could magic you to the party with me.”
“Me too. I still find all this hard to believe, you know.”
“What? That you ended up with such an intelligent, generous and attractive wife?”
“I actually meant that one minute you can be standing here and the next you’re in another world: paranormal or ghost.”
“I suppose it must seem strange. A few years ago, it would have to me too, but now it’s just like walking through a door.”
“I’ve been meaning to ask for some time. How come time stands still when you’re in Candlefield, but not when you’re in GT?”
“That’s a very good question. You’d have to ask Adele about that.”
“Who’s she?”
“I’ve no idea. Her name just popped into my head.”
“Strange.”
“Very. Anyhow, I suppose I’d better get this over with. See you later.”
My mother was obviously taking the whole Grand Tramagne thing very seriously because when I arrived at the social club, where the fake anniversary party was being held, someone had covered up the sign that normally read: GT Social Club, with a banner that read: Grand Tramagne Social Club. If nothing else, you had to admire her persistence.
The club was packed. My parents clearly had a large social circle, much like my own. As I tried to pick them out in the crowd, there was just one question on my mind: who had chosen this music? It was beyond awful.
“Jill! Over here!” My mother was standing next to the DJ. “I was beginning to think you weren’t going to make it.”
“I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.” I gave her a kiss on both cheeks. “Where’s Dad?”
“He’s taking a few of the presents out to the car. We’ve had so many.”
I saw her glance at my empty hands.
“Jack was supposed to pick up my card and present in town today, but he forgot. Men, eh?”
“Hi, Jill!” My father appeared. “Your mother said you wouldn’t come, but I knew you would.”
“I did not say that!” She shot him a look.
“My mistake.” He grinned and gave me a knowing wink.
“Where are Alberto and Blodwyn? Aren’t they coming?”
“Of course they’re coming.” My mother seemed surprised by the question. “Why wouldn’t they?”
“Because this—err—party is to celebrate the anniversary of your first marriage.”
“They’re both fine with that. Aren’t they, Josh?”
“Yeah. Blodwyn is totally on board.”
Hmm.
“Can’t you play some other kind of music?” I asked the DJ while my parents were mingling with their guests.
“I wish I could. I hate this stuff.”
“Why are you playing it, then?”
“The couple who booked me insisted on it. It was a condition of getting the booking.”
Great!
I was trying to decide how much longer I’d have to stay when there was some kind of commotion near the door.
“How could you?” my mother yelled.
“This is not cool!” My father was red in the face.
The reason for their outrage soon became clear: Alberto and Blodwyn had just arrived, but they were not alone. They each had someone on their arm.
“Who’s that?” My mother pointed to the brunette with Alberto.
“This is Angela.” He turned to the woman. “Angela, this is Darlene, my wife. Darlene, this is my ex.”
“And this is Michael,” Blodwyn chipped in. “He’s my ex.”
“Why would you bring your ex to our anniversary party?” my mother yelled.
“It seems only fair, Darlene.” Alberto seemed totally unfazed. “After all, you’re celebrating your wedding to your ex. Isn’t that right, Blodwyn?”
“Absolutely, Alberto.” Blodwyn grinned. “It seems perfectly fair to me.”
And that’s when the fireworks began.
No, I don’t mean that the arguments escalated, although they certainly did. My parents had obviously arranged for a firework display as part of the celebrations. The DJ killed the music (he looked as relieved as I did) and made an announcement.
“Ladies and gentlemen, if you’d care to step out of the rear doors, you’ll be able to see the spectacular firework display, which has been organised by your hosts, Darlene and Josh.”
As the crowd made their way outside, my parents, their partners, and their partners’ ex-partners were still going at it hammer and tongs.
I was about to make my escape when my mother spotted me.
“Jill, come over here. Tell Alberto that he’s being unreasonable.”
“Well, actually—”
“It’s our anniversary party,” my father said. “Tell Blodwyn this isn’t on.”
Suddenly all eyes were on me.
“I can see both points of view.”
“What?” My mother turned her anger on me. “How can you say that?”
“Well, I—err—”
“Surely you can’t agree with this bogus party, Jill?” Blodwyn said.
“There’s nothing bogus about it,” my father countered. “You can see that, can’t you, Jill?”
At times like this, there was only one thing to do.
I know what you’re thinking: Jill is about to unleash her
unrivalled diplomacy skills. Normally, you’d be right, but on this occasion, I opted for plan B.
Run away.
“You’re back earlier than I expected.” Jack was eating supper. “How was it?”
“The music was terrible, Alberto and Blodwyn turned up with their exes, which caused a massive row, and then I got the blame for everything.”
“It sounds like it was a roaring success.”
“The firework display was okay, though.” I eyed the last few chips on his plate. “Can I have those?”
“You’ve just been to a party. Wasn’t there any food there?”
“Yes, but I—” Even as I was speaking, he gobbled down the remaining chips. “You’re horrible. I thought you loved me.”
“I do, but I love these chips even more.”
“I may as well go to bed, then.” I started for the door. “And, so you know, I blamed you for my turning up empty-handed.”
“You did what?”
Snigger.
***
“Jack!” I nudged him in the side, but he just rolled over and continued to snore.
I’d heard a noise coming from outside, but there was no chance of waking my husband, so I slipped out of bed, and went over to the window to see what had woken me.
Illuminated by the street light was a figure, crouching on the pavement. I was trying to work out what he was doing, and wondering if I should go out and confront him when he looked up, and the light illuminated his face.
It was Mr Hosey.
That was explanation enough. That guy was a signal short of a trainset. There was no way I was going outside to question him because if I did, the explanation would no doubt take at least an hour and bore me into a coma.
Chapter 21
“I’ve never known anyone who sleeps as deeply as you do,” I said, over breakfast the next morning. “I reckon a freight train could drive straight through the house and you wouldn’t stir.”
“Why? Did something happen last night?”
“Our resident nutjob was crawling around on all fours outside, in the early hours of this morning.”
“Monty?”