by Adele Abbott
“Martin, this is my sister, Jill Gooder.”
“Pleased to meet you.” Surprisingly, he seemed quite shy.
“This must be an unusual venue for you to play?” I said.
“Very. I used to play small clubs before I won Talent Factor, but I’ve never played in a wool shop before.”
“I’m surprised you took the gig. Surely you could have been doing something more high profile?”
“I’m not sure how it happened. I don’t remember agreeing to do it. I’ve spoken to my agent, and he doesn’t have any recollection of it either. But there’s a signed contract, so here I am, in a wool shop.”
I knew it. Grandma had been at it again. She’d obviously used magic to get one of the country’s top acts to appear in her shop. She was unbelievable. The woman had no shame, and showed a total disregard for the rule against flaunting magic in the human world. It was disgraceful, and something I’d never do—obviously.
I’d managed to get a good position at the front of the shop by the time Martin began his act. He was very talented, and gave a totally committed performance, even though he must have wondered why on earth he was there. The crowd loved him. The noise inside the shop was deafening. Everyone who’d been queueing, had managed to get in—somehow.
After a few drinks, Kathy and I really got into the spirit of it. We even managed to find a space where we could dance. By the end of the night, everyone had had a great time. I was shattered, and I’d probably had one drink too many, so Kathy and I shared a taxi. After I’d dropped her off, I went home to a good night’s sleep.
Chapter 9
The next morning, I didn’t wake until nearly ten o’clock—I wished I hadn’t bothered. My head was thumping. I really shouldn’t have had that last drink. I’d never admit it to Grandma, but it had been a great night. Whether it would result in more custom for Ever A Wool Moment, I wasn’t sure, but all the newspapers would no doubt cover the event, and the publicity couldn’t hurt.
I took two painkillers with a cup of tea. It was only then that I realised I hadn’t checked in on Mrs V. The poor old dear had been dead on her feet when I’d left her. I should have called in the office after the party, but I’d been tired, and a little the worse for drink. I took a shower, got dressed, and made my way to the office as fast as I could. I just hoped she was okay.
As I approached the building, I could see the lights were on in the outer office. The poor old dear must have been there all night. I hurried upstairs, and found her fast asleep with her head on the desk. I tried to creep into my office without her hearing, but the door creaked and she stirred.
“Jill? Is it morning?”
“It’s eleven o’clock, Mrs V.”
“Oh no! I must have fallen asleep.”
“You look terrible.”
“I should have stayed awake. It was the only chance I had to get them done. Now I’ve let everyone down.”
There were socks all over the floor.
“How many have you done?”
“I don’t know. I lost track. I seem to remember I’d done ninety, and I had another ten to do, but then I must have fallen asleep.”
“Let’s get them all together and count them. There may be more than you think.”
Mrs V was too tired to do anything, so I gathered up all the socks from the floor. Sure enough, just as she’d said, there were ninety of them.
“What about those over there on top of the filing cabinet?” I said.
She looked round in a daze. “Where did they come from?”
I walked over to the cabinet, picked up the socks, and counted them. “There’s another ten here. That makes a hundred. That’s what you needed, isn’t it?”
“Yes—but—where did those last ten come from?”
“They look the same as the others to me.”
“But I didn’t put any over there.”
“I’m not sure you knew what you were doing. You were practically knitting in your sleep.”
“You’re probably right, dear.” She seemed much brighter now she realised that she’d actually achieved the target. “Let’s get them into a bag,” she said. “I have to deliver them to the children’s home.”
“You’re not in a fit state to go anywhere.”
“But I have to. I’m fine.”
“Well, at least let me book a taxi to take you there, and then to take you home.”
“Okay, thank you, dear.”
I put the socks into a bag, and carried them downstairs where we waited together for the taxi to arrive. Once I’d waved her off, I made my way back upstairs. I had a feeling there was something fishy going on.
As soon as I walked into my office, Winky was on at me.
“Do you know what time it is? I’m starving.”
“I slept in.”
“What a surprise. Were you drunk again?”
“No—I only had a—”
“That’s what I thought. Drunk again.”
“It was a Christmas party. Everyone has a drink at a Christmas party.”
“Has the old bag lady gone? She’s been here all night.”
“She was busy.”
“I know. I heard all about it. Anyway, she got the hundred done, didn’t she?”
“Yeah, how did you know?”
He smirked.
“Did you have something to do with those ten socks on the filing cabinet?”
“I might have.”
“What did you do?”
“I could see the old bag lady was never going to make it. I’m not heartless, and it is Christmas after all. I didn’t like to think about those poor kids with no sock for Santa to put their presents in.”
“But how did you get them done in time? Can you knit?”
“Do I look as though I can knit?”
I wouldn’t put anything past Winky. After all, he was a master of semaphore, could fly a remote control helicopter and was an expert darts player. Anything was possible.
“Yes?”
“Of course I can’t. I just searched online until I found socks which were a close match to those the old bag lady was knitting. I had them sent by courier. The old bag lady was asleep when they arrived.”
“That must have cost a pretty penny.”
“Yeah, but you paid for it, so it doesn’t matter.”
I might have known—still, never mind—it was for a good cause.
“Now, is there any danger of getting any food around here?”
***
By mid-afternoon, I’d started to come around. I still couldn’t get over what Winky had done for Mrs V. He really was a dark horse. For all that he insisted he hated the ‘old bag lady’ as he always referred to her, he’d been there for her when she’d needed help. She’d have been devastated if she’d let down the kids at the children’s home.
Mrs V had called me when she got home to let me know that she was okay. Apparently the children were delighted with the socks. I was pleased to hear that she’d be spending the holiday season with some of her yarnies. I’d been a little concerned that she’d be alone, or worse still, stuck with her sister, Mrs G.
Normally I’d have been looking forward to spending Christmas Eve at Kathy’s, but I knew I was still in the bad books because I’d failed to buy the Total Dream Office. I felt really awful that Lizzie would wake up on Christmas morning only to find that Santa hadn’t brought her the present she’d wanted so much. If Kathy had a go at me, I’d just have to take it on the chin. I deserved it.
My phone rang. It was Kathy.
“Everything okay?” I said.
“No, everything isn’t okay. Pete’s stuck.”
“What do you mean?”
“He can’t get back from his training course. They’re snowed in. The roads are all blocked.”
“Can’t he get a train?”
“He just rang from the railway station. Because the roads are blocked, everyone is having to use the railway, so the trains are all full. He can’t get one until B
oxing Day.”
“What?”
“He’s stuck there until Boxing Day.”
“That’s terrible.”
“Tell me about it.”
“Have you told the kids?”
“No, not yet. It’s going to be a fantastic Christmas. Not only is Lizzie not going to get the present she’s been wanting for months, but now their daddy’s not going to be here.” She sighed. “I assume you’re still coming over?”
“Yeah, of course. The roads are pretty bad here, but they are passable. It must be a lot worse where Peter is.”
“Yeah, they’ve had a lot more snow there apparently. Anyway, I thought I’d better let you know.” Kathy sounded resigned. “I’ll see you later.”
“Kathy, which station is he at?”
“He’s at Westhorpe, why?”
“No reason. I just thought I might give them a ring to see if there’s anything I could do.”
“There’s nothing anyone can do, Jill. He’s stuck. The roads are blocked. The trains are full. Game over! I’ll see you later.”
Kathy was wrong. There was something I could do.
I closed my eyes, focussed as hard as I could, and magicked myself across the country. I landed smack bang outside Westhorpe railway station. The snow was at least eighteen inches deep—way deeper than in Washbridge. No wonder the roads were blocked. It was pandemonium inside the station. People were shouting, pointing at notice boards, and berating staff. I wasn’t sure if I’d even find Peter, and then it occurred to me that I could phone him.
“Hello?”
“Peter, it’s Jill.”
“Oh? Hi, Jill. Did Kathy tell you what’s happened?”
“Yeah. It sounds pretty bad over there.”
“It is. The roads are impassable, and the trains are all full. It looks like I’m stuck here until Boxing Day.”
“That’s terrible.”
“Don’t worry about me; I’ll be fine. Make sure the kids have a good Christmas. You’ll have to be Santa Claus.”
“Whereabouts are you, Peter?”
“I’m at the station.”
“Yeah, I know. But where exactly in the station are you?”
“In the waiting room, next to the café. Why?”
“Oh, no reason. I just wondered if you’d managed to find a seat.”
“Not exactly. It’s jam-packed in here. I’m sitting on the floor, but at least it’s warm and dry.”
“Okay, Peter. I’m really sorry. See you soon.”
“See you, Jill. Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas, Peter.”
I looked around and quickly spotted the café. I fought my way over there, and sure enough, next to it was the waiting room. I glanced through the window, and spotted Peter in one corner. He looked miserable—like everyone else in there. I made my way over to him, trying not to step on any of the people sitting on the floor.
“Jill?” Peter said. “How did you—?”
“Don’t ask questions. Just come with me.”
He was so shocked to see me there that he picked up his bags, and followed me out of the waiting room. I hurried ahead; I didn’t want to give him a chance to ask awkward questions. Once we were outside, I found a quiet spot.
“What’s going on?” he said.
I grabbed his hand, cast the spell, and moments later, we were outside Washbridge railway station.
“What just happened?” Peter looked around in a daze.
“Come with me.” I led him to one of the taxis in front of the station.
Before he could object, I’d pushed him and his luggage inside. He wound down the window, obviously still disorientated.
“Jill? What’s happening? I don’t—”
I cast the ‘forget’ spell, and told the taxi driver to take him home.
Chapter 10
I hadn’t been back at my flat very long when my phone buzzed with a text. I assumed it would be Kathy informing me that Peter had made it home, but the sender’s number was unrecognised.
The message was brief, but chilled me to the bone.
I believe you are looking for me.
I’m in your office right now.
TDO
The Dark One—the most powerful and evil of the sups.
I’d tried so hard to find any information on him with little or no success. Why had he chosen to contact me now? No one knew who or even what he was—did he really intend to reveal himself to me? And if he did, would he let me live to tell the tale? Maybe I should contact someone—but who? Did I really want to put someone else in harm’s way too? No—I had to do this alone.
I didn’t dare allow myself time to think—if I had, I might have lost my nerve. I hurried over to my office as quickly as I could.
The outer office was in complete darkness when I let myself in. There was just a dull light coming from my office—the one I’d left on for Winky.
Winky! Oh no! If TDO had harmed my darling cat, I’d—I’d—I’d do something unspeakable. I burst through the door—my heart was racing.
Winky looked up from his saucer of milk. “You scared me to death!” he said, as he licked his lips.
He looked okay, but where was TDO? I glanced around the room; there was no one else in there.
“Are you okay, Jill?” Winky jumped onto the sofa.
“Shush!” I whispered. “We’re in danger.”
“From what?”
“Have you seen anyone?”
“Not a soul. It’s been lovely and peaceful for a change.” He scratched his ear. “I take it you got my text.”
“Text? What text?”
“Isn’t that why you’re here?”
“Hang on. You sent me a text?”
“Yeah.” He pointed to a large bag on the floor near to the desk.
“What is it?”
“Jeez. How on earth do you make a living as a P.I.? I told you in the text—it’s the TDO.”
“Huh?”
“Oh boy.” He rolled his one eye. “Total Dream Office. That’s what you were trying to find isn’t it?”
Total Dream Office? TDO? Of course!
“You found one? How?”
“I’ve told you before. I have skillz.”
I rushed over to the box and looked inside. Sure enough there it was—the most sought after toy of the year.
“Winky, thank you. How much do I owe you?”
“You’ve already paid for it—I used your credit card.”
I scooped him into my arms and gave him a hug.
“Put me down, woman. I don’t know where you’ve been.”
***
That evening, I felt on top of the world when I arrived at Kathy’s house.
“Pete made it home.” She beamed.
“Really?” I feigned surprise. “I thought he was stuck.”
“I thought he was too. He’d told me there was no chance of getting a train.”
“So, what happened? What changed?”
“I don’t know, and neither does he. The only thing he can remember is getting a taxi from Washbridge station. He must have fallen asleep on the train.”
“That’s fantastic!”
Peter came to the door, and for one horrible moment, I thought he was going to remember.
“Hi, Jill,” he said. “Come on through.”
I followed the two of them into the living room. “Where are the kids?”
“They’re in Lizzie’s bedroom,” Kathy said. “I bought them an extra present each which I’ve just given them. I figured that would keep them occupied, and give us a little peace and quiet.”
“Good thinking,” I said. “I’m glad you made it home, Peter.”
“Me too, but I really don’t know how I did it. I was sure all the trains were fully booked, and I was going to be stuck there until Boxing Day.”
“Maybe they put on more trains?”
“They must have. I was so exhausted I must have fallen asleep on the journey home.”
“Any
way,” Kathy said. “What’s in the bag?”
“I’ve got a surprise for you.” I grinned.
“What kind of surprise.”
“I can’t show you in here. Let’s go into your bedroom.”
“Is it something for me?”
“No, it’s not for you.”
“I might have known.”
I turned to Peter. “Can you make sure the kids don’t follow us?”
“Yeah. No problem.”
“I still don’t understand how Pete got back here,” Kathy said. “One minute he was telling me he was stuck, and the next he was at the front door.”
“What does it matter? He’s home for Christmas. Just be happy.”
“You’re right. Anyway, what have you got in there?”
I took the toy out of the bag and Kathy gasped.
“How? Where? When?” She stared at the Total Dream Office in disbelief. “I thought you hadn’t got one.”
“I hadn’t until just now.”
“But there aren’t any to be had anywhere.”
“I managed to find one.”
“That’s fantastic, Jill! Lizzie will be so pleased. It’ll make all the difference to tomorrow morning. Thank you.” She threw her arms around me and gave me a big hug. “I thought this was going to be the worst Christmas ever, but now Peter’s home and you managed to get this—thanks!”
“Do I get a custard cream?”
“You can have the whole packet to yourself. Come on, I’ll make us a cup of tea.”
The evening was a delight. The kids were hyper and full of excitement, and everyone had a great time. When it was time for me to leave, we all wished each other a merry Christmas. I was so relieved that Lizzie would wake up in the morning to find that Santa had brought her the toy she’d had her heart set on.
***
The kids rang me ludicrously early on Christmas morning, but I didn’t mind. It was great to hear their happy, excited voices.
“I got a motor racing set,” Mikey said. “It’s fantastic! It goes really fast. I like to be the blue car. Daddy’s rubbish.”
“I got Total Dream Office,” Lizzie said. “It’s brilliant! I knew Santa would bring it. Mummy said I mustn’t be disappointed if he didn’t, but I knew he would. I want to show it to you, Auntie Jill. Are you coming over today?”