Murder Of A Werewolf (A Brimstone Witch Mystery Book 1)

by Fernsby, April

  I stood up straight, and a sensation of calmness descended on me. I knew without doubt what I had to do next.

  I walked over to the sofa, grabbed Alistair’s jacket and tapped him on the shoulder. I said to him, “Alistair, I am taking time off work, and there’s no point arguing about it. I am not going to dinner with you as I have other plans.”

  “What plans? You never have any plans.”

  My plans involved dealing with the suspicious death of a werewolf in a magical land called Brimstone, but I wasn’t going to tell Alistair that. Instead, I said, “I’ve got plans to look after Gran. Here’s your jacket.” I waved it in the air in case he hadn’t seen it.

  Alistair reluctantly got to his feet and took the jacket. “I’m disappointed in you, Cassia. This is most unlike you. You’re not thinking about my feelings whatsoever. After all I’ve done for you and your career. You know I only want the best for you. That’s why I wanted to talk to you tonight about our future. I’ve given a lot of thought to it, and I’ve even made bullet points on my phone of the things I want to talk about.”

  He quickly looked away but not before I saw the hurt in his eyes. My resolve immediately softened, and I felt sympathy for him. It was true that he only had my best interests at heart.

  Alistair shrugged into his jacket and looked back at me. His tone was softer as he said, “I know I can be an idiot at times, but I do care a great deal for you. I’m sorry if I’m being too forceful. Of course, you need to look after your gran. Let me know how you get on. We can talk about our future another time.” He leant over and pecked me on the cheek. “I’ll see myself out. Take care.” He quickly left the apartment.

  I turned towards the television, picked up the remote and pressed stop. I felt so guilty now about Alistair, but I knew it was for the best. I’d deal with our relationship problems later. I had too many other things to deal with now.

  I spent the next thirty minutes packing my belongings into a suitcase along with the small things that Stanley would need. I took all the perishable food from the fridge and packed those too. I wasn’t sure how long I was going to be away, but it was going to be more than a day or two. As I was packing my bag, a feeling of lightness flowed through me along with a sense of excitement. It felt like I was going on a great adventure.

  I left a message with the appropriate people at work, followed by email confirmation. I hoped my sudden absence wouldn’t cause too many problems. I knew Cheryl was more than capable of dealing with my workload. I made a mental note to buy her a huge thank you present.

  I had no qualms about leaving the apartment, and as I closed the door behind me, I realised it had never felt like home anyway. Gran’s house was my home. Gran hadn’t changed a thing in my room at her house and had left everything untouched in case I wanted to come back. Had she been hoping I would someday embrace my witch side? When I had time, I would have a long conversation with her about it.

  My heart still felt light as I drove back to Gran’s house and let myself in. Oliver was waiting for me.

  He said, “Esther is awake, and she wants to talk to you urgently.”

  Chapter 18

  Gran was sitting up in bed and looking much happier when I walked into her bedroom. The makeshift book weights had gone from her cover, and she didn’t show any signs of floating off the bed.

  Gran’s face lit up when she saw me. “Cassia! It’s so good to see you back. We’ve got a lot to talk about, haven’t we?” She patted the side of her bed. “Sit yourself down. Before we start chatting, have you still got that levitating potion with you? Blythe knows me so well. She knows I can’t bear to keep still and that levitating potion will help me as I go about my chores.”

  “You shouldn’t be doing any chores at all. Dr Gilbert told you to rest.”

  “Pah! What does he know? Have you got the potion?”

  I reached into my pocket and retrieved the small bottle. I placed it on the bedside table and then settled myself down next to Gran on the bed. It was a huge bed, and there was plenty of room for both of us.

  Gran said, “Before we begin, Oliver’s told me everything that you told him when I was asleep. Despite me telling you not to get yourself involved, you went ahead and did it anyway.”

  I couldn’t meet her gaze, and I looked at the bedcover instead. “Are you mad?”

  Gran gave me a friendly shoulder bump and said, “Of course not. I’m glad you did it. I’ve been trying to protect you for so long, and it was the wrong thing to do. You look more alive now than you have done for months. Do you want to continue dealing with the case? If so, there are many questions to be asked when you go back to Brimstone.”

  I looked up from the bedcover and gave Gran a smile. “I’d love to continue dealing with it. Did Oliver tell you about Flint? He’s my number one suspect at the moment.”

  Gran nodded. “Yes, I’m not surprised Flint is your number one suspect. I’m concerned about the butterflies disappearing. I hope they return soon as Brimstone won’t be the same without them.”

  “Do you think they’ve gone into a different world? I didn’t have the chance to tell you earlier, but a Brimstone butterfly came into my office this morning with a message from you. I heard you crying for help.”

  Gran frowned. “Really? I don’t remember sending a message, but I must have. And I’m not sure how a butterfly made its way into your office. They are clever creatures, though.”

  “Gran, if it’s not too upsetting to talk about it, can you remember anything about your attack?”

  “Yes, I can remember some things. I was on my way through the forest to talk to Strom. It was Strom who’d voiced concerns to Blythe about Jonathan’s death. He had his reservations about it not being suicide. Apparently, it was Flint who found Jonathan’s body hanging from the tree, and with his werewolf friends, he buried Jonathan in the pack cemetery immediately. His excuse was that he wanted to spare Anju any upset.”

  My eyes narrowed. “That sounds like a feeble excuse. Sounds like he was trying to hide any incriminating evidence.”

  “Indeed. Blythe’s suspicions were immediately raised when Strom told her this, and she asked Strom if any of the other werewolves had actually seen Jonathan hanging from the tree. Strom said they had, and he believes them. So, it wasn’t just Flint who saw Jonathan.”

  I shook my head. “It still sounds suspicious.”

  “I agree. That was one of the questions I was going to raise with Strom. On the way through the forest, I headed towards the oak tree where Jonathan had died.”

  “Were you on your own? Oliver told me he helps you with your work.”

  “I didn’t have Oliver with me as he doesn’t like the werewolves and how they look at him. He tries to be brave whenever we meet them, but I know how uneasy they make him feel. I wish now that I’d brought him with me as he might have alerted me to danger. He’s good at that. Anyway, I was on my way to the oak tree when I heard some voices. I was going to ignore the voices until one of them mentioned Jonathan’s name. I moved closer, and I saw Flint and Anju standing by the oak tree. Anju was resting her head against Flint’s chest, and she was crying quietly. Flint was stroking her hair, and he was saying it was for the best that Jonathan had gone. He went on to say that Jonathan wasn’t anything like them and never would have been. He added it was a blessing in disguise and Anju would see that some day. Anju didn’t say anything; she just continued to cry.”

  “How dare he say that to her? That’s so insensitive.”

  Gran nodded. “Exactly. That was my thought too. Flint started to say something else, but I couldn’t hear him properly, so I moved a bit closer. But then I stepped on a twig, and it broke. I don’t know what it is about that area in the forest, but there are millions of dried out twigs scattered across the ground. You can’t help but step on them and break them. It’s almost like someone has put them there on purpose as a warning system.

  “Anyway, as soon as I made that noise with the twig, Flint raised his head a
nd looked in my direction. I could see his nostrils flaring and knew he was trying to pick up my scent. I didn’t want to be caught spying, so I turned away and started to quickly head back down the path. I’d only been walking for about ten seconds or so when I felt someone push me from behind. I went tumbling down a verge, and even though I put my hands out to stop myself, I couldn’t. I remember landing against something hard, and the next thing I knew I was back home and lying on my sofa. Dr Gilbert was looking down at me and, well, you know the rest. I don’t know who attacked me, but I’m going to find out who it was.”

  I said, “I’m going to find out too. And I want to find out who brought you back home and then phoned Dr Gilbert.”

  Gran patted my hand. “That’s my girl. I like the determination in your voice. I know you’re ready to deal with this case on my behalf. Even though you haven’t had your full witch training yet, I know you’ll be alright.” Uncertainty crossed her face. “Yes, I’m sure you’ll be alright. We’re Winter witches, and we have respect in Brimstone. Yes, you’ll be alright. I’m sure of it.”

  I couldn’t help but say, “Someone didn’t show any respect to you when they shoved you down that verge.”

  Gran’s eyes narrowed. “Indeed. When I find out who it was, they’ll be getting a piece of my mind and the sharp side of my tongue. Anyway, let’s not think about that for now. I agree with Oliver that you should speak to Anju next. It’s too late to go back to Brimstone now; you can do that tomorrow. Do you agree?”

  “Yes, I do.”

  Gran squeezed my hand. “Good. Right, let’s forget all about werewolves and suspicious deaths. Let’s watch something on the TV. Can you bring up the box set of Miss Marple, please? We can watch it up here on the portable TV. And how about phoning for a Chinese takeaway? Get me some extra fried rice. I’m starving.”

  I smiled at Gran, glad to see her back to her former self. I left the room and was soon organising everything for our evening.

  We had a lovely evening together sitting on Gran’s bed and watching Miss Marple solve the mystery of the murder in the vicarage. We put the food on trays and managed to eat up every morsel of it. I’d been keeping a close eye on everything I ate for the last year, so it was a relief to just tuck in and enjoy my food without thinking about calories and fat content. Oliver and Stanley settled themselves at the foot of Gran’s bed and watched TV with us.

  Gran fell asleep before the mystery was solved. I removed the trays and tucked the bedcover around her. I had a quick tidy up and then went to my room. I snuggled down in my wonderfully comfy bed. I was asleep within minutes and had the best night’s sleep I’d had in months.

  I woke up the next morning ready for anything.

  Chapter 19

  The plan today was to locate Anju and to talk to her about Jonathan. I wanted to find out more about her relationship with him, and how he’d been feeling and acting shortly before his death. It wasn’t going to be an easy conversation.

  I made Gran her favourite breakfast of scrambled eggs on toast and, along with a cup of tea, I took it upstairs to her. She was sitting up in bed and watching breakfast television when I entered her room.

  She pointed to the screen and said, “Have you seen what’s going on today? Those politicians are lying to us again. I wish I could give them a truth potion, and then we’d see their true colours! I can’t watch it any longer.” She pointed the remote control at the television and switched it off. She looked me over and said, “You look refreshed this morning. I think the bags under your eyes have almost gone.”

  I wasn’t sure if that was a compliment or not. “I’ve brought you some breakfast if you feel like eating.”

  Gran grinned at me and patted her stomach. “I’m starving. This recovery business makes you hungry. Thank you, Cassia.”

  I put the tray on Gran’s lap, and she was soon tucking in. I sat in the chair at the side of the bed and asked how she was feeling, although it was obvious she was much better.

  With her cheeks bulging with food she said, “I feel fantastic. A bit sore in places, and my ankle feels tender, but other than that, I’m raring to go.”

  I shot her a wary look. “Raring to go? You’re not going anywhere. The doctor said you have to take it easy. Where exactly are you planning on going?”

  Gran averted her gaze and gave her full attention to her breakfast. “Nowhere. But, if you were planning on going to Brimstone, I thought I might come with you and give you some pointers with your investigation.”

  I put my hand on Gran’s arm, and she looked my way. I said to her, “I’m not going to learn how to do my investigations with you at my side. It would be better if I did this on my own. You can see that, can’t you?”

  Gran shrugged. “I suppose so. Don’t put yourself in any danger, though.”

  I smiled at her. “I wasn’t intending to. Anyway, I’ll have Stanley with me.”

  Gran shook her head. “I can’t believe how skinny and grey that cat has become. You should have told me how bad he was.”

  “I didn’t realise. He looks even worse when he stands next to Oliver. Gran, is Stanley beyond repair?” My guilt about Stanley was still there like an uncomfortable, heavy stone in my stomach.

  Gran waved her fork at me. “He’ll be right as rain soon. Like you, he’s back where he belongs.”

  I sat with Gran, and we chatted until she’d finished her breakfast. I asked her what her plans were for the day, and again, she averted her gaze from me and said she’d float around the house doing small jobs.

  She caught my worried look and added, “There’s no need to be so concerned. I can take care of myself. I’ll use Blythe’s levitation potion sparingly. You can’t expect me to sit in bed all day shouting at the television.” She flapped her hand at me and continued, “Off you go then. Let me know how you get on. And, be careful out there.”

  I stood up and picked the tray up. “You’ve already told me to be careful twice. I will be. See you later.”

  I went back to the kitchen and washed up before getting myself ready to enter Brimstone. I packed my bag with a bottle of water and a notepad. I stuck a couple of chocolate bars in there too in case I needed a boost of energy. I also put in some packets of cat snacks for Stanley which he loved.

  Stanley padded into the kitchen, lifted his chin and said, “Good morning, Cassia. Sorry for having a lie in, but I had a wonderful night’s sleep. Oliver and I stayed up for a while too, we were chatting and catching up with things. It’s good to be home, isn’t it?”

  “It is, Stanley. Are you ready to go to Brimstone now?”

  “I am. I’ve already had some breakfast with Oliver. We had sardines. They were delicious.”

  I smiled down at him and was relieved to hear that he was eating again. He’d barely touched his food these last few months.

  We went down to the cellar and over to the door. Oliver was sitting there with what looked like an impatient expression on his face. For a cat, he had a great variety of expressions.

  Oliver said, “Right, are we ready?”

  I said, “Yes, Stanley and I are ready. You weren’t thinking of coming with us, were you?”

  Oliver gave me a sharp nod and said, “Of course I’m coming with you. You and Stanley have no idea what you’re doing. You’re going to make mistakes.”

  I replied, “Yes, we are going to make mistakes. That’s how we’ll learn. Oliver, thanks for your offer of help, but we have to do this on our own. You do understand, don’t you?”

  Oliver studied me for a few seconds, and then gave a disdainful sniff. He mumbled, “I suppose so. Open the door and at least let me have a look outside to make sure the coast is clear.”

  I moved the table I’d placed in front of the door to one side and then opened the door. The lovely fresh smell from Brimstone wafted in. It was that same mixture of exciting smells like a summer’s morning and a winter’s evening all mixed together. The smell of adventure.

  Oliver stuck his head through the o
pen door, and his whiskers twitched. He looked back at me and said, “You’ll find Anju in Mooncrest Café. It’s down there on the left.”

  I gave him an impressive look. “How do you know that? Do you have magical abilities?”

  “No, I just saw her walking into the café. She appears to be on her own.” He took a couple of steps back and said, “I suppose you two had better go then, if you don’t need my help.”

  I ignored his hurt tone and turned to Stanley. I raised my eyebrows in question. He gave me a nod of confirmation, and we stepped through the cellar door and on to the cobbled pathway.

  I closed the door behind me, but not before hearing Oliver shout out, “Be careful out there!”

  Stanley and I stood for a minute in silence while we took in the scene before us.

  I looked down at Stanley and said, “Well? What do you think about Brimstone?”

  Stanley replied, “It’s wonderful. Just as wonderful as I remember it.”

  “You’ve been here before? When?”

  Stanley replied, “I used to come here with you when you were a little girl, don’t you remember? We used to run around the square together. We had some marvellous adventures.” There was a hurt tone in his voice now.

  I leant down and stroked Stanley’s head. “I’m sorry, Stanley, there’s a lot that I can’t remember. I don’t mean to hurt your feelings. Have you been back here recently?”

  “No, I stopped coming here when you did. I have missed it, though.”

  I straightened up, and we walked along the cobbled path. We stopped at the butterfly tree. It was still devoid of butterflies. I glanced at the other butterfly trees around the square, and noticed with a sinking heart they were still empty too. Where had those butterflies gone?

  We walked towards the town square and passed the road that led to Blythe’s house. I wondered if she was in. I could do with having a talk with her. Perhaps we’d get the chance to visit her later.