by Adele Abbott
“Can’t talk? No problem. How about we meet at the library later—after it’s closed? I thought we could make a start on your training, and you can tell me what you need advice on.”
“Tonight? I guess so. What time?”
“Seven o’ clock?”
“Okay. See you then.”
“What was that all about?” Kathy asked, after I’d finished on the call.
“Nothing. Just a case I’m working on. Hey, you’ll never guess who I bumped into in Coffee Triangle.”
“Murray Murray?”
“No. I doubt he slums it in Coffee Triangle. I bumped into Lolly Jolly.”
“Lolly? I haven’t seen her for years—thank goodness. Has she changed? She must have.”
“No. She’s pretty much the same—just taller. Same squeaky voice, same frizzy hair, and same bad dress sense. She was wearing a pinafore dress covered in little lollipops.”
“Wow! What did she have to say?”
“Not much. Just that she’s been living in London for the last ten years, but now she’s moved back up here. She asked about you.”
“I hope you told her that I’d emigrated.”
“Actually, I gave her your phone number, and said you’d love it if she got in touch.”
***
Even though I’d only just had a cup of tea at Kathy’s, I didn’t refuse another at Aunt Lucy’s. And, more importantly, Aunt Lucy had custard creams—of the non-soggy variety.
“Have you seen the twins’ scooters?” I said, as we took a seat at the kitchen table.
“I have, and I’m not very happy about them. Those two were never very confident on bicycles when they were kids. I’m scared they’ll fall off and hurt themselves. Can’t you talk some sense into them, Jill?”
“It would be a waste of time even trying because they don’t listen to me. I reckon they’ll lose money hand over fist, so I don’t think it will last for long.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“The main reason I came over was to tell you that you’ve been invited to Jack’s parents’ golden wedding anniversary party. It’s next weekend. Can you and Lester make it at such short notice?”
“Just try stopping us. It will be lovely to meet Jack’s family.”
“Kathy and Peter are going, and I still need to ask the twins. I was going to do it yesterday, but then they told me about the new delivery service, and I completely forgot.”
“They’ll definitely be up for it, but I’m not sure about Alan and William. They work such odd hours. What about Grandma?”
“I wanted to ask you about that. I know I have to tell her, but I’d really rather she didn’t go. You know what she’s like. I’d be on tenterhooks all the time. I’m hoping to convince her that she wouldn’t enjoy it.”
“How do you plan to do that?”
“I thought I could tell her that Jack’s parents are both teetotal.”
“That might work. It’s worth a try.” Aunt Lucy picked up the biscuit tin. “Another?”
“Go on then.”
What? It would have been rude to refuse.
“Aunt Lucy, there is something else I wanted to ask you. Do you happen to know where I could get hold of starlight fairy wings? The ones they’ve discarded, obviously.”
“Why do you need those?”
“It’s a long story. Do you remember Magna Mondale’s book?”
“The one you got from the sealed room? Of course I do.”
“I had to throw it down the Dark Well.”
“Grandma told me.”
“Now I need it back, and it turns out the well is guarded by a troll. He’ll only let me have the book if I can get him five pairs of starlight fairy wings.”
“I see. I do know that they’re very much sought after. There are a lot of collectors. I can make a few phone calls, if you like?”
“That would be great.” I stood up. “I’d better get back.”
“Okay. Good luck with Grandma.”
***
It was my turn to make dinner.
“What’s this?” Jack poked at the brown lump on his plate.
“Steak and kidney pie.”
“What’s this brown wafer thing?”
“That’s the gravy.”
“Really?” He picked up the ‘wafer’ and broke it in half.
“Just eat it and stop complaining. I’ve told you before that it would be better if you did the cooking every day.”
“Better for you, you mean.”
“I would do the washing up.”
“By washing up, do you mean stack the dirty dishes in the dishwasher?”
“It isn’t as easy as you make it out to be. There’s a certain knack to it.”
“If you say so. Did you check with everyone about the anniversary party?”
“Kathy and Peter are coming, but they’re going to leave the kids with Peter’s Mum.”
“Why? The kids are welcome to come.”
“I know, but Kathy said she wanted a break from them.”
“What about the others?”
“Aunt Lucy and Lester are a definite yes. I’m pretty sure the twins will be coming, but I don’t know about their husbands.”
“What about your grandmother?”
“What about her?”
“Is she coming?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t managed to catch up with her yet.”
“You have to try. I promised I’d let Mum know the numbers in a day or so.”
“Okay. Will do.” I checked my watch. “I have to nip out for a while.”
“Where?”
“I’m meeting Mad at the library.”
“Doesn’t it close at seven?”
“Yeah, but she works there, remember? She’s helping me with some research on a case I’m working on.”
“Which case?”
“Nothing you’d be interested in.” I grabbed my bag.
“What about your slice of Mrs Rollo’s cake?”
“You promised to have the first piece, remember? If you haven’t died from food poisoning when I get back, I’ll have some. See you later.”
***
Mad was watching for me, through the window.
“Before we start the training,” I said. “I had a visit from the colonel earlier. He’s having problems with a ghost who is stealing valuables from his old house. He’s worried that the current owner may get fed up and sell the house to a property developer. Is there anything you can do to help?”
“Possibly. Can you ask him to put together a full description of the items that have been taken? Photos would be great if he happens to have any.”
“Okay. I’ll get the colonel on it. Now, how are we going to do this thing?”
“Good question. I’ve been racking my brain, and I still don’t know where to start. I can move between this world and Ghost Town effortlessly, but I have no idea how I do it. It’s a bit like breathing—I just do it.”
“We can only do our best. If it doesn’t work, then we’ll just have to tell Aubrey it isn’t happening. Why don’t you transport yourself over there now? I’ll apply all my powers of focus on you, and see what I can pick up.”
“Okay. Ready?”
“On three. One, two, three.”
Mad disappeared, but despite giving it maximum focus, I didn’t pick up anything I could lock in on.
“Any good?” Mad reappeared.
“No. I didn’t get anything. Try again, but this time when you’re in GT, shout my name.”
“What good will that do?”
“Probably none, but we have nothing to lose by trying.”
“Okay.”
“Three, two, one.”
I turned my focus onto the space where Mad had been standing, but I sensed nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Then, I heard something. A voice. It was Mad. And I could hear her calling my name.
I had to try to forget that she was in Ghost Town, and just focus on her voice. If I could magic myself towards it
, then maybe—just maybe.
My head was throbbing with the effort of focussing so hard, but I could feel it was starting to work. It was the same sensation I felt when I magicked myself between Candlefield and Washbridge.
I hit the ground with a thump. Where was I? The images swimming before my eyes had no real definition. It was as though they were melting and blending into one another. Then, without warning, I landed with a thud again. I felt as though all of the breath had been punched out of me.
I was back in the library.
“Are you okay?” Mad helped me to my feet.
“I think so.”
“Where did you go?”
“I don’t know, but I don’t think it was Ghost Town.”
“Could you hear me shouting your name?”
“Yes. I tried to follow your voice, but I’m not sure it worked.”
“Do you want to give it another try?”
“I can’t. I’m beat. I feel like I’ve been put through the wringer.”
“Shall I tell Aubrey it’s a non-starter?”
“Not yet.”
Chapter 10
Jack had just showered. I was still lazing in bed.
“I’d like to let my mum have the final numbers tonight, if I can,” he said.
“Don’t worry. I’m on it. Did I hear you say you were going to make a fry-up, this morning?”
“I never mentioned a fry-up.”
“I could have sworn you did. I really fancy one.”
“You know where the frying pan is.”
“If you really loved me, you’d make me a fry-up.”
“If you really loved me, you wouldn’t resort to blackmail tactics.” He grinned. “Anyway, don’t forget you have Mrs Rollo’s cake to eat.”
“Did you try a slice?”
“Yes. It was surprisingly nice.”
“Liar.”
“It was, honestly. I think she must have made a special effort because it was the last one she’d be baking for us.” He bent over and gave me a kiss.
“Why don’t you come back to bed?”
“I’d love to, but I have a meeting with the boss at eight-thirty.”
“I’m your boss.”
“Bye, Jill.”
By the time I’d showered, dressed, and dragged myself downstairs, there wasn’t time to make a cooked breakfast, even if I could have been bothered to do it, so I settled for cornflakes. Jack had apparently survived the night after eating a slice of Mrs Rollo’s cake, so I thought that maybe I’d take some to work for me, Mrs V and Jules. I was just about to cut three slices when a sudden thought stopped me in my tracks.
I checked the kitchen bin; it was empty, so I slipped on some shoes, went outside, and checked the dustbin.
“I’ll kill him!”
There, on top of the rubbish, was a slice of cake, minus one bite. Jack must have tried it, and then thrown the rest away. Just wait until I got my hands on him!
When I left the house, Megan was just coming out of her front door. She was wearing a silk scarf around her neck—something I’d never seen her do before.
“Megan! Hi.”
“Morning, Jill.” She still didn’t seem her usual bubbly self.
“Are you okay? You seem a little subdued.”
“I’m fine.” Her forced smile was far from convincing. “I have a bit of a cold, that’s all.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, positive. I have to get going.”
“Okay. Bye.”
That’s when I spotted it. On her neck, not quite hidden by the scarf, was a small bruise. There were any number of ways that might have happened, but my mind went back to what she’d told me about signing up with Love Bites, the dating agency which matched vampires with humans.
I had bad vibes.
***
Despite the fact that Jack had tried to poison me with Mrs Rollo’s cake, I still had to get him the final numbers for the golden wedding anniversary party.
First stop—Cuppy C.
“Hi, girls. How is the takeaway service going?”
“It starts tomorrow,” Amber said. “We’ve already had a lot of interest.”
“That’s great. The reason I’m here is it’s Jack’s parents’ golden wedding anniversary next weekend, and you’re invited to the party. Alan and William too.”
“A party?” Amber beamed. “Count me in. William won’t be able to make it though. He has to work.”
“Count me in, too,” Pearl said. “But Alan will be working.”
“Do you ever go out with your husbands?”
“Not if we can help it,” Amber said, and they both laughed.
“Okay. That’s you two and Aunt Lucy, so far. I just have to check with Grandma.”
“Grandma?” Pearl looked horrified.
“You didn’t tell us she was going.” Amber’s smile had dissolved.
“I’m hoping she won’t, but I have to at least ask her.”
“Grandma is never going to say ‘no’ to a party,” Pearl said.
“She might when I tell her that Jack’s parents are teetotal.”
“Are they?”
“Of course not.”
“How very sly of you.” Amber nodded in approval. “That’s a brilliant idea.”
Just then, Daze and Blaze walked into the shop.
“Will you join us, Jill?” Daze called.
“I haven’t ordered yet.”
“Don’t worry. Blaze will do the honours, won’t you?”
“Like I have a choice,” he mumbled.
“Sorry, what did you say?” Daze glared at him.
“I said it would be my pleasure. What would you like, Jill?”
“A caramel latte, and a blueberry muffin, please.”
“Mini or giant?”
“Need you ask?” Daze laughed.
While Blaze was waiting to be served, Daze and I found a vacant table.
“I hear the twins are starting a takeaway service?” she said.
“Yeah. From tomorrow, apparently. I have bad vibes about it.”
“There you go.” Blaze handed out the drinks and cakes.
“I’m going to be living in Washbridge,” Daze said, before taking a bite of her mini strawberry muffin.
“How come?”
“The head of department wants all senior rogue retrievers to be based in the human world. They’ve been pressing us to make the move for some time, but I’ve resisted until now. Yesterday, I was given an ultimatum. If I don’t make the move within a month, I’ll be demoted.”
“I take it you’re not keen.”
“I hate the idea.”
“I’d love to live in the human world.” Blaze chipped in. “I just can’t afford it on my wages.”
“I’ve arranged to meet another of the senior rogue retrievers here,” Daze said. “She’s been living in the human world for some time now. I thought she might be able to give me some tips.”
“She’s here now.” Blaze pointed to a young woman who’d just walked through the door. She had the same Amazonian build as Daze.
“Faze! Over here!” Daze called to her. “Blaze, go and get Faze a drink and a cake.”
“I’ll leave you to it.” I stood up.
“Don’t go, Jill,” Daze said.
“Hi.” Faze joined us.
“Faze, this is Jill Gooder.”
“Pleased to meet you, Jill. Daze has told me a lot of good things about you.”
“Daze tells me that you live in Washbridge.”
“Yeah. I have an apartment in what used to be the old sock factory.”
“How do you find living in the human world?” Daze asked.
“I’m not going to lie. It isn’t easy. When I lived here in Candlefield, I could relax when I was off-duty. It’s not so simple in Washbridge. The sups always treat me with suspicion, even when I’m not working. Take my apartment block. Everyone in there is a sup except for one female human. They often hold parties, but guess who’s the on
ly one who doesn’t get invited? Me. They even invite the human. Even when I say good morning to someone, they look terrified.”
“What do you do for a social life?” Daze asked.
“The only socialising I ever do is with other rogue retrievers. At least when you move to Washbridge, I’ll have someone else to have a night out with.”
“I really had better get going.” I stood up. “Nice to meet you, Faze. Good luck with your move, Daze. See you, Blaze.”
***
I’d managed to secure a meeting with the dean of Pixie Central College where Robbie Riddle had been a student until his unexplained disappearance. The college was tiny, so we’d arranged to meet on the playing fields at the rear of the building.
“Thank you for agreeing to see me, Dean.”
“My pleasure. Robbie is one of our top students. We’re all very concerned for his safety. And for the safety of the others who have gone missing.”
“Others?”
“I assumed you would know. Two other students have disappeared in the last three months.”
“I had no idea. Surely, the police must be investigating what has happened to them?”
“Unfortunately not. The police are adamant that the disappearances are not connected. It really isn’t good enough.”
“It’s more than that. It’s outrageous. Would you be prepared to give me details of the other two students? It might help me to piece together what has happened.”
“Normally, I shouldn’t, but given the circumstances, I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to help bring these students back safely. In fact, I anticipated that you’d ask that, so I brought these with me.”
He handed me three folders which were so small that I would need a magnifying glass to study them.
“Thanks, Dean.”
“No problem at all. If you need anything else, don’t hesitate to contact me.”
***
Back in Washbridge, everyone on the streets had their hands over their ears to drown out the noise. In Ever, the hysteria over Chameleon Wool appeared to have died down. Kathy was daydreaming behind the counter.
“What’s that awful noise out there?” she asked.
“It’s the Washbridge Bagpipe Festival; one of my neighbours is taking part. It looks like things have quietened down in here, though.”