I concentrated on his face for a while, and a flash of a memory came to me. I was running in a field full of daisies, and there was a rabbit by my side. I looked down at the rabbit, and I knew immediately it was Luca. Just as quickly, the memory disappeared.
I frowned. “A shapeshifter? If you’re a shapeshifter, why would you turn into a rabbit? Why not turn into a dragon or a dinosaur or a – ” I stopped myself as I realised I was talking nonsense.
Luca said, “My preferred shape is a rabbit because that was your favourite animal when you were young. I can turn into other small animals too. And, when the situation needs it, I can turn into something more ferocious. But that’s not something I like to do. There are many rabbits and small creatures in this forest and around Brimstone, and being small allows me to blend in with them.”
“Why would you want to blend in with them?”
“Because of my job as a guardian. Blending in is perfect when I’m working in the forest. I like to take on a small shape so that I can go about my work unnoticed.”
I scrunched my face up in confusion. “Guardian? Guardian of what? Luca, you’ll have to explain everything to me. I’ve had a very confusing day, in fact, I’ve had a couple of very confusing days.”
Luca put his hand on my arm and led me over to a rock. He sat down and indicated for me to do the same. I did so and turned my face towards him.
He began, “We don’t have a police force here in Brimstone. I think you have a police force in the human world, is that right? Your gran explained it to me once, and it sounded very complicated.”
“Yes, we do have a police force. If you don’t have that here, what system do you have to make sure laws are enforced?”
“We have the guardians. Like myself. We’re mainly shapeshifters which allows us to change into our animal selves and then patrol the town discreetly. We keep an eye on everyone and make sure no one is breaking the law. If someone does something unlawful, we immediately report back to Blythe. The residents of Brimstone know we patrol the town, but they’re never really sure if the rabbit or mouse they see scampering around the town square is a guardian or not. It’s amazing how the residents of Brimstone behave themselves if they think they’re being watched.”
My eyebrows rose. “So, you’re like CCTV? But with rabbits?”
“CCTV? I don’t know what that is.”
I looked towards the trees and thought about Luca’s job as a guardian. I said to him, “If you’re watching people all the time, does that mean you go into their homes and watch them there? That seems rather intrusive. Don’t you have privacy laws here?”
“We only patrol the public areas. What people do behind closed doors is their own business, unless it is something unlawful. That’s where your gran helps out. If a crime is committed, your gran is made aware of it, and she makes the appropriate investigations. The guardians and witches work well together. There’s never been a problem, so far.” He tapped me on the shoulder so that I turned to face him. “Which brings me to my next question. What are you doing out here on your own? It’s a dangerous place, and there are werewolves everywhere. There was one following you along the path just now which is why I pulled you out of the way.”
“Who was it? Who was the werewolf who was following me?”
“You won’t know him, he’s called Flint. He’s a nasty werewolf with a quick temper. He’s gone on his way now. I don’t know why he was in his wolf form, and why he was following you. Cassia, you haven’t answered my question. What are you doing out here?”
“I’m investigating the death of Jonathan Tidewell. And I do know who Flint is. I met him when I spoke to Strom a short while ago.”
Luca put his hands up to halt my explanation. “Stop right there. Start at the beginning. What are you talking about? You’re investigating the death of Jonathan Tidewell? That’s not something you should be doing. That’s your gran’s job.”
“Haven’t you heard? Gran was investigating this case when she was attacked.”
The colour faded from Luca’s face. “She was attacked? Who by? When? Is she alright? Who did it?”
I held my hands up now to halt his questions. “She was attacked when she was in Brimstone, but she can’t remember much about it. She’s okay, and she’s back home. She told me about Jonathan’s case. That’s why I’m here. I’m investigating it on Gran’s behalf. I’m in this area because I’ve been talking to the werewolves.”
Luca shook his head. “You shouldn’t be doing this. You’re not experienced. You don’t have the knowledge required to be investigating the case. You should leave it to someone else. I could even investigate the case. I’ve worked with your gran before. I know what I’m doing. Leave everything to me, Cassia. It’s not safe out here for someone like you.”
Anger flashed through me. Just like Alistair had done before, Luca was attempting to tell me what to do. What was it with these men? Why did they think they knew what was best for me?
I jabbed a finger at his chest. “I know how to deal with a murder investigation. I’ve watched hundreds of detective shows with Gran. Murder, She wrote, Poirot, Miss Marple, Midsomer Murders. I know the procedure. You interview everyone who knew the victim, and then you find out more about the victim’s life. Don’t tell me what to do when it comes to murder investigations.”
Luca’s brow creased. “I’ve no idea what you’re talking about. Cassia, this is a dangerous place. You don’t know how to protect yourself. You don’t even remember how to do magic.”
“Remember how to do magic? What do you mean by that? Have I done magic before that you know of?” I kept the appraisal magic to myself. He didn’t need to know about that.
Luca broke into a grin, and the charming dimples appeared in his cheeks. My anger diminished a little. He really did have a lovely face.
Luca said, “You used to do magic when you were little. Do you remember when you’d chase me through the fields when I was a rabbit?”
“Vaguely.”
“You’d wave your hands around and make the daisies in the field lift up and fly through the air.”
“Did I?”
Luca nodded. “You used to talk to trees too. Don’t you remember that?”
“Talk to trees? That’s a ridiculous thing to do.” I paused and remembered where I was. “Did they talk back?”
Luca laughed. “No, but you said you could feel what they were feeling.” His smile faded. “Cassia, can’t you remember anything? We were such good friends, and we had some wonderful times together. I know we were only young, but I remember everything. Why did you stop coming to Brimstone? What happened when you were seven? I waited by your cellar door every day for months, but you never came through.”
I lowered my head. I’d been sitting on the other side of the cellar door waiting for Mum to come back.
I got to my feet and said, “Well, I must be going. I’ve got a murder investigation to deal with.”
Luca stood up. “You’re so stubborn. If you insist on going ahead with this investigation, then I’m going to help you.”
“No, you’re not. I can do this on my own.”
“But – ”
“No!” I said rather too loudly. “This is something I need to do on my own. I don’t need your help.” I looked at a couple of dirt paths in front of me. I had no idea which one would lead me back to Brimstone. Keeping my eyes away from Luca, I said, “Could you kindly tell me which path I should take?”
There was an amused tone in Luca’s voice as he said, “I thought you didn’t need my help.”
“Fine. I’ll find my own way back.” I set off towards the left dirt path.
There was a polite cough behind me, and Luca said, “If you’re heading back to the town square, you need to go on the path on the right-hand side.”
“Fine,” I said again. I changed direction and stepped towards the path on the right-hand side. Remembering my manners, I called over my shoulder, “Thank you.”
Chapter 15
As I wa
lked along the path, my anger towards Luca faded. Those childhood memories started coming back to me, and I remembered what good friends Luca and I had been. He was only being helpful by offering his assistance. It wasn’t his fault that I had anger issues with Alistair. I would apologise to Luca later.
It didn’t take me long to reach the town square, and my attention was immediately drawn towards the gazebo. Flint was standing there in his human form. His eyes were on me as I made my way through the town. What was his problem? Why had he been following me? And why had he been in wolf form when he was doing it? Did he want to hurt me?
I averted my gaze and carried on walking. I headed towards Blythe’s house, and as I did a niggling feeling dropped into my brain. I quickly scanned the town square. There was something different about it, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on what that was.
I walked up the sparkling path to Blythe’s front door and knocked on it sharply. I glanced over my shoulder to make sure no angry werewolf was following me. The path behind me was clear.
Brin answered the door and looked up at me.
“Hello, Brin,” I began. “Is Blythe in?”
The little house Brownie shook her head. “No, I’m sorry. She’s been called out to a meeting in the outer lands. How did your talk go with the werewolves? I hope they didn’t frighten you.”
“I’m still in one piece. Just about. Do you know when Blythe will be back?”
Anguish crossed Brin’s features. “I don’t. I’m not sure how long her meeting will go on. She’s talking with other witches.” She shook her head. “I shouldn’t be telling you this, but I’m worried about the changes that are going on in this town.”
“What sort of changes?”
Brin forced a smile to her face, and said, “Sorry, I shouldn’t have said anything. I’ll let Blythe know that you called and that you returned in one piece from the werewolves. Oh! I nearly forgot. Blythe asked me to pass this to your gran.”
She dug her hand into her pocket and retrieved a small glass bottle which had a purple liquid in it. She handed it to me and explained, “It’s a levitation potion for Esther. She only needs to take a few drops. Blythe knows it’s impossible for Esther to take bed rest while she’s recovering, so a few drops of this will levitate her off the ground. Then she won’t put any pressure on her sprained ankle.”
I took the bottle and put it in my pocket. “That’s very thoughtful of Blythe. Please, say thank you to her from me.”
Brin nodded. “Where are you going now? You’re welcome to come in and have some food with me.”
“No, thank you. I want to get back to Gran and make sure she’s okay. I’ll come back soon.”
Brin gave me an intense look. “You take care, Cassia Winter. I’ll let Blythe know you called.”
She flashed me a smile and closed the door. I turned around and walked back along the brick path.
As I headed along the street I kept my eyes firmly averted from the gazebo. I knew Flint was still staring at me because I could feel the hate coming towards me in waves.
I turned right at the end of the road and was thankful to see the cobbled road which led to Gran’s cellar door. I headed towards it, and that’s when I realised what was wrong.
I stopped near the butterfly tree and looked at it in horror. The Brimstone butterflies had gone. Every single one of them. All that was left were bare branches. I turned around and looked at the other butterfly trees dotted around the town square. They were bare too. Where had the butterflies gone? Were they all working at the same time? Had there been a sudden run on messages for the butterflies to deliver?
I recalled what Luca had told me about talking to trees and picking up on its feelings. Could I still do that? It was worth a go.
I moved closer to the tree in front of me and placed my hands on its trunk. A slight vibration travelled into my fingers, and I closed my eyes. I knew I probably looked like a nincompoop standing there, but I didn’t care. I had to do this. I had to find out where the butterflies had gone.
The first feeling that came to me was the same niggling worry I’d had when I first came into the town square. Something was wrong, but I couldn’t work out what it was. Another feeling arrived. It made my stomach clench with unease, and I knew instinctively the butterflies were not out delivering messages. Something was definitely wrong here. That feeling was quickly replaced by one of terror. My heartbeat thudded loudly in my ears, and a chill ran down my back. Something horrific had happened!
I took my hands off the tree and tried to make sense of those feelings. The Brimstone butterflies were terrified about something. But what? And where had they gone? I wished Blythe was still here so I could talk to her about it. Perhaps Gran could help.
Without hesitation, I rushed down the cobbled path and opened the cellar door at the end. I went through and closed the door behind me. The thought of Flint coming through entered my mind, and I looked desperately for a lock on the door. There wasn’t one! Why wasn’t there one? There should be one.
Someone from Brimstone had brought Gran through in her unconscious state, and what was to stop someone else from coming through now?
I looked towards the table that I used to sit at and went over to it. I dragged it across the floor and placed it in front of the door. I wasn’t sure what use it would be as it was only a child’s table. Still, it was something. If someone did come through the cellar door, perhaps the table would make a scraping noise which would alert me to the intruder’s presence. It wasn’t perfect, but it would have to do for now.
I dashed across the cellar and raced up the stairs. I found Gran still asleep on the sofa in the living room with Oliver sitting on the carpet at her side. I went over to Gran’s side and knelt next to Oliver.
Her eyelids fluttered open, and she looked in my direction. She gave me a tired smile and said, “Cassia, where did you come from? Where have you been?”
I decided it was time to tell Gran the truth. “I’ve been to Brimstone, Gran.”
Gran gently nodded her head. “Brimstone. That’s nice.”
I continued, “I’ve been looking into Jonathan’s murder investigation. I’ve been talking to the werewolves.”
Gran nodded again, and her eyelids drooped. “Murder. That’s nice. Werewolves. How lovely.”
It was obvious Gran was still out of it. How strong were those tablets the doctor had given her? There was no point asking her anything about Jonathan and the rest of his pack at this stage. I’d have to wait until Gran was more awake.
“Gran, let me get you upstairs and into your bed. You can’t be very comfortable on the sofa.”
Gran gave me a tired smile. “My bed. That would be nice.”
“I’ve got a levitating potion from Blythe. I’m not sure how it works.” I took the bottle from my pocket and unscrewed the top. The end bit was like a pipette, so I drew up a small amount of purple liquid from the bottle and then asked Gran to open her mouth. She did so willingly, and I put a few drops of the purple liquid on it.
Before I’d even finished putting the top back on the bottle, Gran was hovering above the sofa.
She chuckled and said, “I must be flying. Look, I’m flying.” She rose even more.
I got to my feet and took hold of one of Gran’s hands and pulled her towards the stairs. It was like holding on to a balloon, albeit a chuckling Gran-shaped balloon in a cardigan. Gran floated happily at my side as I manoeuvred her up the stairs and towards her bedroom. I made sure I didn’t bang her head on the way.
Once in her bedroom, I aimed her towards the bed, pulled the covers back and put her into position above the bed.
“Now what?” I asked myself as I let go of Gran’s hand. She rose slightly in the air. I couldn’t leave her floating about like this. She might float away into the bathroom and hurt herself. Perhaps it was time to try out my magic skills again.
I opened my hands towards Gran and thought about lowering her to the bed. My hands tingled, and a second later
Gran gently floated down to her bed. I quickly pulled the covers over her. I located some heavy books and used them to act as paperweights at the corners of the bed. Once the last makeshift paperweight was in place, I stood back and surveyed my work.
“That should keep you in place, Gran.” I sighed heavily. “Now, what am I supposed to do about this murder investigation?”
A male voice behind me said, “You can talk to me about it.”
Chapter 16
I picked up one of the book paperweights, spun around and raised it. I yelled, “Don’t even think about attacking me! I’ve got a book, and I’m not afraid to use it!”
I scanned the room. There wasn’t anyone there. Well, not anyone that I could see. Ah! There was probably some malicious evil creature in front of me who had turned themselves invisible. They’d most likely sneaked through the cellar door with me and had been in the house watching my every move.
I raised the book even higher and declared, “Show yourself, you coward.”
There was no response. I looked at the carpet and saw Oliver sitting there, watching me with his green eyes.
“Oliver, quick! Come over here. There’s some sort of invisible creature in the room, and they’re here to get us. Come over here, and I’ll keep you safe.”
Was it my imagination or did Oliver just roll his eyes?
The male voice spoke again, “It’s me. I’m the one who spoke to you. Put the book down.”
My eyes darted left and right. Where was the hideous creature lurking? “Oliver!” I hissed. “Get to my side quickly. Did you hear that? Did you hear that nasty voice then? We’re under attack by an invisible force.”
“Cassia, it’s me who’s speaking. Me, Oliver, the cat. Stop waving that book around and look down at me. You can see my jaw moving.”
I stiffened and slowly turned my head in Oliver’s direction. “Pardon? Did you make a noise then?”
Oliver actually tutted, and he did roll his eyes, I saw it clear as day. His little jaw opened, and he said, “Cassia, I can talk. I’m a talking cat. Get over it. And put that book down before you drop it on yourself.”
Murder Of A Werewolf (A Brimstone Witch Mystery Book 1) Page 8