Treacherous Toys

by Joyce

  “Oh, sure. They really care about us. Especially when the new Santa gig wants children dressed as elves. They’ve dragged us around, paraded us as part of the act all of our lives.” He laughed, but it wasn’t a pleasant sound. “They named us after Christmas things. I’ve never even been in a real school. That’s love.”

  “I’m sorry.” I could see he had some legitimate grievances even though there were probably many children who would have enjoyed living their lives. That seemed to be the way it always was when people were growing up. Everyone wanted something different than what they had.

  “Me, too. I’m tired of it. I want a real home, not one we have to leave every other week. I want to go to college and be a veterinarian. And when I’m an adult, I’m never celebrating Christmas.”

  I almost laughed at that. It was said in such a childlike manner. But I knew laughing at his heartfelt confession would only make things worse.

  “My parents died when my brother and I were just kids,” I told him. “My grandmother raised us. Before that, we had to go through my parent’s divorce. I don’t know which part was worse. My grandmother loved us, but she was really old. She hadn’t expected to have to take on two kids. She made that clear to us.”

  “That’s bad, too,” he agreed. “Is she still alive?”

  “No. She died years ago. At least my brother and I were out on our own when that happened. What will you do now that your dad is gone?”

  He shrugged. “I don’t know yet. I guess it all depends what happens to Mom. Do you think they’ll put her in prison?”

  “I hope not. I don’t think she killed your dad. Do you?” I kind of held my breath in case Christine’s troubled son was against her, too.

  “No! Mom would never hurt anyone. Not that Dad didn’t deserve to have his butt kicked.” Jolly got up and put the milk jug in the trash. “I knew about him messing around. We all did. He was a good guy except for that. Even so, I don’t think Mom would hurt him. And I know she didn’t have a gun. Can you imagine Mom shooting a gun at someone?”

  Obviously he couldn’t. That’s what mattered, and it was a good thing. I thought Christine seemed like the kind of person who could do whatever she felt needed to be done.

  “I think it was the guy who took Dad’s place,” Jolly said. “He threatened Dad once. It was a long time ago, but still.”

  Since we seemed to have established a good rapport, I took the next step. “Were you so angry at your mom that you dressed up like a knight and came after her? I saw you at the field, you know.”

  “Not me. If anything, I’d be angry at Dad. He brought this on himself. All he had to do was look the other way when he found out that guy was stealing. Since when did he care so much about right and wrong? Maybe he should’ve thought more about the consequences, something he never did. I don’t blame Mom for any of it. She just loved him and was ready to do whatever he wanted, you know?”

  Was he telling the truth? I wasn’t sure. He looked and sounded sincere. There was one more thing—probably the most important.

  “I guess we should get some sleep,” I said. “Are you okay? I mean, that looked like a lot of blood when you came in.”

  “It isn’t too bad.” He got up and showed me his lacerated hands and cut on his forehead. “I got a cut on my knee, too. It’s okay. Just messy, I guess.”

  Jolly seemed much calmer when he told me good night. I sat on the uncomfortable sofa after he’d gone to bed and looked around the pretty but impersonal room. The orange light from the electric fireplace made it seem a little homier, but it still felt like a hotel. I could see why Jolly would promise himself a real home in the future.

  Maybe the rogue knight, Harry’s injuries, and Chris’s death had nothing to do with each other. Maybe Jolly was just a scared, unhappy teenager who’d lost his father. All of it could make sense that way, too. It would certainly be better for this family if that were the case.

  Chase got back a little before two A.M. He looked exhausted as he closed and locked the front door.

  “How’s Harry?” I asked.

  “He had to do Livy’s run to the hospital instead of her,” he said. “But he’s doing okay. The knife didn’t hit anything vital. It wasn’t even that deep. He’ll probably be home tomorrow. Unless Livy decides to add to the chaos by having her baby in the next few hours.”

  “Is she at the hospital with him?”

  “No. She fainted when she saw him being taken out. Wanda said she’d be better staying at the castle. She can always go to the hospital tomorrow if he’s going to stay longer than that. Sir Reginald went with Harry, along with a full retinue of courtiers. They should keep the hospital staff working while they’re there.”

  Chase sat on the sofa beside me. “Lots of teenage angst when Jolly came back?”

  I told him about my talk with the boy—and the blood on him and his clothes. “I don’t think he was involved in what happened to Harry, despite the way it might look.”

  “But you thought so to begin with?”

  I shrugged. “Maybe. I don’t know. He was gone. He came back covered in blood. Harry was stabbed. Esmeralda said people thought they saw a young boy at the castle when Harry fell down the stairs. I guess I have a suspicious nature. I felt bad about it, though.”

  “I suppose it might make sense if Jolly knows about Christine and Harry. He could have worked himself up to do something he might not have done otherwise. Not that Harry didn’t deserve it. But that would be a serious charge against Jolly, if that were the case.”

  “We don’t know that it is. And I’m too tired to think about it anymore tonight. Let’s go to bed, huh?”

  He stood up and helped me to my feet. “Sounds good to me. I’ll be glad to see the back end of this day.”

  The Christmas family’s morning routine was similar to their evening routine. Everyone got up, showered, dressed, ate Pop Tarts, and drank a gallon of juice. There were long lines at the bathrooms, but eventually everyone was ready to go.

  Chase had a plan to keep all the kids busy for the day while we tried to find out what would happen with regard to their custody. We adapted a few costumes destined for the scrap heap into clothes they could wear working at various places around the Village.

  It was doubtful Christine would make bail, but even if she did, her hearing wasn’t until late in the afternoon. If she didn’t come home and there wasn’t a willing next of kin to take the kids, they would be split up and sent to foster care. There wouldn’t be anything else we could do about it.

  At least working with the animals in the petting zoo, helping out with the carriage rides, and doing the other jobs Chase had found for them, they would all be too busy to worry about it. Mother Goose and Bo Peep had graciously agreed to keep an eye on them when we couldn’t.

  Except for Jolly. Chase and I had discussed what to do with him. Chase didn’t want to let him loose in the Village. He was worried about what he might do next, including running away. So Jolly was spending the day working with Chase.

  I knew I had done what I could to help. I wished I could do more, but Detective Almond was willing to stretch protocol only so far. I hoped Christine came home before day’s end, but I knew the chances were small that would happen.

  I gave each of the kids five dollars for drinks and snacks. The adults who’d agreed to let the kids work with them would give them lunch. It seemed we were set up for the day.

  At least everyone else was set up. I wished someone had set something up for me. I had a long day with nothing much to do looming in front of me.

  I picked up the mess left behind by the rapidly departing family, cleaned the kitchen, and put the dishes in the dishwasher. I didn’t know what to do after that.

  I didn’t technically have a job anymore. I sure didn’t want to work with Edgar. I couldn’t make toys without Christine. I was at a loss.

  To make matters worse, my investigation seemed to be at a dead end. I knew Detective Almond wouldn’t be interested in purs
uing any other suspect—even if I had one—since he had Christine in custody.

  I had to find a way to earn my keep. I might be able to float for a day or two, but it was a long way until Christmas. I had to find some job, even if it was menial. I’d waited tables and mucked out stalls before.

  Too bad everyone had taken on extra help for the season. It seemed that every job was already filled in anticipation of the holiday crowd.

  Master Archer Simmons, my mentor during one of my first apprenticeships and a good friend, told me to try the castle. He had three apprentices and two assistants. There wasn’t enough room for anyone else at the Feathered Shaft.

  The castle.

  I sighed, staring up at it just as I had the first time I’d seen it. It was where I’d worked my first job at the Faire, when I’d come here that fateful summer. I would never forget that time. I’d met Chase right after I’d been hired.

  The structure itself looks like it’s three stories, but the top story is a façade with turrets and towers. Most of the main living space is on the ground floor, along with the kitchen. The laundry and storage areas are in the basement. The second floor has suites for VIPs, but it’s rarely used.

  When the castle was built, someone had planned big. The structure was erected around the old traffic control tower for the Air Force base, most of it with concrete. Stone work was added later, creating the illusion of a real castle—although one with every modern convenience.

  The Great Hall is attached to the side of the castle, and holds the large arena, the seating area for visitors, and a short passageway to the castle kitchen. It is an impressive structure, and at least fifty people work here at any given time. Employees range from maids and wenches to royal attendants and even a few footmen. Most of them don’t live in the castle. They spend their nights in Village housing. Only a handful of people actually live in the castle full-time.

  I stood there thinking about my time spent here during that first summer. I had peeled potatoes until my fingers ached, made beds, scrubbed floors, and taken late-night snacks to royalty and their guests.

  Looking back on it was almost as terrible as living through it. At times, I couldn’t believe I’d been willing to do some of those jobs. But there had been a spark that had brought me back the following summer and the one after that as things got better. It was that same spark that had made me walk toward the castle entrance from the Feathered Shaft.

  Chase would find me something to do, I reminded myself as I came closer to the entrance. He didn’t have three or four helpers working with him for the season. I didn’t have to take a job here as a servant or some other less than desirable helper again.

  Yet as I continued to stand at the entrance, trying to decide what to do, it came to me. If I was working at the castle, I could keep an eye on all the goings-on within its walls. I could also watch Edgar and try to figure out what he was up to.

  It made sense. I certainly didn’t want to believe that Jolly was responsible for the attacks on Harry or Chris’s murder—Christine either. Taking a job in the castle might give me a chance to prove their innocence.

  “Lady Jessie.” Gus nodded briefly in respect and didn’t try to pinch my butt. That was a novelty. “How goes it?”

  “Not too bad. Looking for a job.”

  “The Christmas gig let you down, huh? I might know someone in the castle who could use an extra hand.”

  “Thanks. Has Harry come back from the hospital yet?”

  “Not yet.” He pointed toward the entrance. “But one of Livy’s ladies finally couldn’t take it anymore. Livy’s hysteria after Harry was stabbed must have put her over the edge. She ran out of here screaming this morning and hasn’t come back again.”

  “Sounds like the job for me.” I smiled but kept a safe distance between us. “Thanks.”

  “My pleasure. Tell Chase I said hello when you see him.”

  “I will.”

  I passed Detective Almond, who was flanked by two officers, as I was entering the castle. He was on his way out. He nodded but didn’t speak. I’d seen thunderclouds less angry looking than him.

  Of course there had to be an investigation. Harry had been attacked. Did the police have any suspects? No doubt Detective Almond would meet with Chase before he left the Village. Chase might have some news to share when I met him later for lunch.

  I knew Chase wouldn’t give Jolly up to the police. But what if someone had seen him wandering around, covered in blood?

  I walked quickly to Livy’s chamber and rapped hard on the door. The sooner I got to work, the sooner I might have some answers.

  Nineteen

  “Oh, Lady Jessie, we would be so happy to have you here with us during the last of our confinement.” Livy was teary eyed as she absently rubbed her baby bump. “There is so much going on right now. It will be wonderful to have a true confidant at my side.”

  I curtsied, as was appropriate. “It will be my honor to serve you, Your Majesty. Have you heard anything of the king as yet?”

  “No. And I am beginning to get worried. They said he would be home this morning. Could you ask someone—perhaps the bailiff—if there is news?”

  I was more than happy to go along with that request since I had some questions of my own to ask the good bailiff. But first, I wondered if I could get the scoop on what had happened to Harry.

  Livy blew her nose on an elegant lace hankie when I asked her about the incident. “I don’t know. He was in his chambers at the time. It seems someone stabbed him in the back upon entering the room. The doctor has told us that the wound, though painful, did little damage. I am only happy to have my darling lord still with me.”

  “He didn’t see anything unusual?”

  “You mean the young man so many workers have seen in the castle the last few days? I know the story about such a man pushing the king down the stairs. But I tell you, Lady Jessie, that this young man means no harm to anyone. He is not the person who attacked your king.”

  “You mean you know who it is?” I braced for something I might not want to hear. But if Livy knew Jolly was walking around in here, why didn’t she suspect him?

  “I have seen him myself at times, when the night is long and the shadows lengthen in the hallway.”

  What the—?

  She smiled and clutched her hankie to her ample bosom. “He is the ghost of a young soldier who died here before the Village came. He walks these lonely halls, looking for his lost love.”

  I glanced at Lady Barbara, who stood behind the sofa. She shrugged and rolled her eyes.

  Both she and Lady Jane were always appropriate, always well dressed. Their hair was covered by scarves that matched their gowns—usually matching as well. They rarely spoke out of turn or expressed dismay at the things they saw in their service to Livy.

  I was continually amazed that both of them were still with her. They had to be the most tolerant women in the world!

  Apparently Barbara hadn’t seen the ghost the queen was describing. That didn’t relieve my fear that the alleged ghost could be Jolly.

  “Your Majesty, I don’t believe a ghost injured the king either. But someone has tried to harm him twice, the last time most grievously. Did you or the king see anything else out of the ordinary?”

  “No. We have the police to look into these things.” She smiled and pushed herself up and off the sofa, no mean feat. “I do believe you were about to talk with the bailiff about the king, Lady Jessie. Hurry back when you have answers for us.”

  Livy was acting weirder than usual. I thought I might as well blame it on her pregnancy. I didn’t want to think what kind of mother she would be once the baby arrived. Maybe the poor little thing would have a very competent nanny.

  I nodded and started to leave her chamber. It had been easier than I’d expected to join Livy’s staff. With another lady-in-waiting quitting just before I’d arrived—usually there were four in attendance—it had been a snap. I knew the woman’s departure was because of Livy
’s tantrums, not to mention her quick mood swings. But I could ignore all of it to ensure my access to the castle.

  Before I could leave the room and ask Chase anything, Edgar burst in, demanding to know why the children weren’t making toys at the workshop.

  Livy’s face paled, and she sat back on the sofa again. “I’m not sure, my lord. I am not privy to such information.”

  “You can’t just hang me out to dry on this,” he said accusingly. “People want to see those kids, for whatever reason. It’s part of the show. Part of what you promised me. I suggest you take care of it right away.”

  I put myself, all six feet of me in a gown at least three feet wide, between him and Livy. It was that feeling of protection again. Not sure what was wrong with me. I saw recognition in his eyes when I faced him down. “Mayhap my lord should find a way to be more entertaining on his own instead of depending on young children. These children have been through enough. They may not even be here by the end of the Village day.”

  “You!” His face turned a mottled shade of red, and his hands clenched in fists as he stared at me. “What are you doing here? Olivia, I must insist that you get rid of this woman. Or—”

  “Or what?” I stood as close to him as I could given the depth of my skirt. “My Lord Gaskin makes a bad habit out of bullying Village women. Mayhap a turn in the stocks might help his attitude.”

  “In what?” He began shouting for real. “You dare suggest that?”

  “Please calm yourself, Edgar,” Livy entreated. “And keep your voice down.”

  “Why?” He strutted through the room, then returned to his spot before the door. “You mean you don’t want everyone to know that we had an affair, Your Majesty? If that’s the case, and you still want to keep this from your husband, get rid of this woman now.”

  I glared at Edgar, daring him to make another move toward Livy. I saw the door to the chamber open behind him as he shouted his dirty little secret. I heard Livy begin sobbing as we both saw Harry, held erect by two of his courtiers, come to stand in the doorway.