by Adele Abbott
“No. It just appeared on the doorstep.”
“Didn’t you think that was rather suspicious?”
“Not really. It was wrapped as a birthday present. It had been Bobo’s birthday two weeks earlier, and we just assumed someone had forgotten. He often received props like this as presents from his friends in the clown community.”
“Do you have the wrapping paper or box that it came in?”
“No. The police asked the same thing, but I put it in the bin, and it was taken away by the garbage men on the same day that Bobo died. I asked the police if they’d be able to find it, but they said it would be like looking for a needle in a haystack.”
We talked for just under an hour. Most of that time was taken up with Barbara reminiscing about her late husband, and the happy times they’d shared as Bobo and Lulu.
***
I’d heard enough. Now it was time for me to act on my suspicions. For this particular phone call, I was going to use one of my many ‘burner’ phones because I didn’t want the person I was calling to recognise my number.
It was time for all my acting prowess to once again come into play.
“Is that Andrew Clowne?” Not even my own sister would have recognised the voice I used.
“Speaking?”
“Andrew, thank goodness I was able to contact you. My name is Patricia Delmore. I’m associate producer at Clown TV. One of the articles we were due to run today has fallen through at the last minute, so I have a spot that I need to fill quickly. I understand that it’s your final year as chairman of NOCA?”
“That’s right, Patricia.”
“I thought it might make an interesting article to cover the period of your chairmanship. All the things you’ve achieved etc, etc.”
“I can see how that would be interesting to your viewers.”
“The thing is, Andrew, I would need you to get up here straightaway.”
“Where?”
“To our studio in Birmingham.”
“That would take me at least two hours.”
“If it’s too far, I understand.”
“No, not at all. I’ll get straight in the car now.”
“Excellent. I look forward to seeing you shortly.”
I gave it thirty minutes, and then phoned Don Keigh and Ray Carter, using my regular phone. I asked both men to meet me at Chuckle House immediately on an important matter relating to the upcoming conference.
“Andrew has been called away,” Don Keigh said when he arrived. “Something about a TV programme.”
“It doesn’t matter.” I waved away his concern. “I’m sure the two of you will be able to sort this out. Basically, I’ve received information which has left me concerned about the upcoming conference.”
“What kind of information?” Ray Carter said.
“There really isn’t time to go into the details. You’re just going to have to trust me on this one. If you can give me access to NOCA records, including access to the computer, then I’m sure I’ll be able to get this resolved very quickly. Certainly, in time for the conference.”
“I’m not sure.” Don Keigh hesitated. “Andrew usually deals with all that kind of stuff.”
“But Andrew isn’t here, and I’m sure that he’d want this issue resolved, so as not to jeopardise the conference. Don’t you think?”
The two men looked at one another, but then Ray Carter nodded. “Of course—anything you need. Come this way.”
They led me to a much smaller office just along the corridor. Don Keigh unlocked the door, and showed me inside.
“We really don’t have all that much paperwork—just these two filing cabinets. Everything else is on there.” He pointed to the desktop computer which looked like it had seen better days.
“What about the login information?”
“Andrew keeps it in the top drawer,” Ray Carter said. “I know that’s not the way things should be done, but no one ever comes in here.”
I pulled out the drawer, and took out the notebook, which had the user ID and password written on the inside cover. Moments later, I was in.
“Thanks for that, gentlemen. You can leave this with me now.”
“Maybe we should stay with you?” Don Keigh said.
I’d been worried they might suggest that, so I quickly cast the ‘forget’ spell on both of them, and then led them to the outer door.
“Thanks, gentlemen. That’s been a great help.”
Both men looked a little confused, but bid me farewell, and went on their way. Once I was sure they’d gone, I went back inside, and began my search through NOCA records.
Two hours later, I had everything I needed.
***
Jack was in a good mood because the combined Washbridge/West Chipping operation was over.
“The money was inside the bank all along,” he said.
“Where?”
“Under a pot plant, if you can believe it.”
“Why would the robbers have left it there?”
“We assume they intended coming back for it later, but who knows? Nothing about this makes any sense. We still have no sign of the robber or robbers on CCTV.”
“How did you find the money?”
“We didn’t. The bank manager did. Someone left him a note.”
“Who?”
“No idea. It was signed: ‘Blaze’.”
“Do you think that ‘Blaze’ was the robber?”
“I’ve no idea, and frankly, I don’t care. I’m just glad I won’t have to work with that idiot, Riley, any longer.” Jack glanced out of the front window. “Megan and her boyfriend are on their way around.”
Normally, I hated entertaining, but I was pleased to have the chance to redeem myself with Megan.
“I’ll get it.” I made for the door.
Megan looked terrific. She was wearing a simple blue knee-length dress and low heels. But then, she looked good in everything she wore.
“Jill, this is Harry.”
The young man standing next to her was tall, dark and handsome. His teeth almost blinded me when he flashed a smile.
“Come in both of you. Jack’s in the lounge. Harry, why don’t you go through and introduce yourself. I’d like a quick word with Megan.”
When I was sure that Harry was out of earshot, I whispered to her, “Please don’t say anything about the paint incident to Jack, will you?”
“No, of course not. I know now that it wasn’t your fault.”
“Thanks. I really appreciate that.”
Although I say it myself, dinner wasn’t at all bad. And no, I hadn’t brought in outside caterers. It was all my own work.
I couldn’t help but like Megan. In some ways, she was ridiculously naive, but she was good-natured and obviously very genuine. That was more than I could say for her boyfriend. Harry was full of himself, and so very vain. I caught him checking his reflection in the mirror numerous times during the evening. He had only one topic of conversation: himself. And yet, whenever I tried to find out what he did for a living, he changed the subject.
***
“Thank goodness that’s over,” I said, after we’d seen them out.
“I thought it went pretty well.” Jack was clearing away the dishes. “I don’t know what she sees in him, though. Did you see him keep checking the mirror?”
“Yeah. And he’s so boring. Why do you think he was so secretive about his job?”
“Maybe he’s a spy?” Jack laughed.
“She could do much better. Still, Kathy will be pleased to know that Megan’s got herself a boyfriend.”
“I have to say, Jill, you really surpassed yourself with the meal tonight—it was delicious.”
“It’s nice of you to say so, kind sir. And I know just how you can show your gratitude.”
He grinned, took my hand, and began to lead me to the stairs.
“Actually, I meant you could do the washing up.”
Chapter 22
“Are you alright, Jill?�
�� Jack asked. We were at the kitchen table, eating breakfast. “You’ve barely said a word since we got up.”
“I’m fine. I was just thinking about a couple of cases I’m working on.”
I couldn’t tell Jack the truth, which was that I was feeling as nervous as a kitten because today was the day that I had to give a talk at CASS. Whatever had possessed me to agree to do it? As if speaking in public wasn’t terrifying enough, I was about to visit a place where dragons and other scary creatures roamed freely. And to top it all, I had to travel there by airship. I didn’t like travelling on aeroplanes, so how was I meant to cope with being on an airship?
I barely touched my breakfast; I just didn’t have the stomach for it. To avoid any more awkward questions from Jack, I made an excuse about an early meeting, and set off on my way. The sooner I got this over with the better.
***
The departure point for the airship to CASS was located close to the Black Mountains. I magicked myself over there well ahead of time. There was a turnstile just inside the door. Behind it, was seated a man wearing a green uniform and peaked cap. The words: ‘CASS Airship’ were printed on both his blazer pocket, and his cap.
“Ticket please.” He held out his hand.
I dug into my bag, and pulled out the two tickets which had been posted to me. I found the one for the outward journey, and handed it to him. He studied it for a moment, then stamped it, and handed it back.
“The waiting room is down there on the left. The toilets are on the right. There are no toilets on the airship, so I would suggest that you pay a visit before departure.”
“How long is the journey?”
“Usually about forty minutes—depending on weather conditions.”
I did as he suggested and went to the loo. When I walked through to the waiting room, I was surprised to find a man sitting on one of the benches. He looked equally surprised to see me.
“Good morning.” His smile filled his round face. The man was almost as broad as he was tall. His unruly hair was a mix of black and grey.
“Morning. You’re going to CASS too, I take it?”
“I’d better be. It’s the only stop the airship makes.” He laughed. “Are you going to see about the kitchen job?”
“No, I’m actually going to give a talk.”
“He stood up, walked over to me, and offered his hand. “You must be Jill Gooder. Sorry, I should have realised. I’ve seen the posters about your talk.”
“There are posters?”
“Oh, yes. There’s been a lot of excitement among the pupils. It isn’t every day they’re visited by a level seven witch.”
“I’m not actually level seven.”
“I realise you declined the offer, but still, you’re quite the celebrity.”
Oh bum!
“A number of kitchen staff have left recently. One under rather unfortunate circumstances. I’m sorry I confused you for one of the new applicants.”
“No problem. You said ‘unfortunate circumstances’?”
“There are strict rules for venturing outside the walls of CASS. Bertie Baxter thought he knew better and disregarded them. Terrible business. Have you ever seen a destroyer dragon?”
“I have, actually. In the Levels Competition.”
“Then you’ll know they’re not to be trifled with, as Bertie found out to his cost. I should introduce myself. I’m Reginald Crowe, but everyone calls me Reggie. I’m the caretaker and general handyman at CASS. I was given compassionate leave to visit my mother who’s been ill.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“She’s much better now. Made of tough stuff, my mum.”
“I’m feeling really rather nervous about today,” I admitted.
“I don’t blame you. Public speaking terrifies me.”
“I’m a little nervous about the speech, but I’m much more nervous about travelling on the airship, if I’m honest.”
“I shouldn’t worry about that. It’s actually quite a pleasant experience. I love the journey, particularly when, like today, there are only a few people travelling. It’s a different kettle of fish at the start and end of term when it’s full of pupils. They can get a little rowdy, as you can imagine.”
“I’m not very comfortable with air travel at the best of times. I’m always nervous on aeroplanes. Isn’t it rather a bumpy ride on the airship?”
“Most of the time it’s fine, but occasionally there is turbulence. And, of course, if there’s a thunderstorm, things can get a little hairy. But the weather looks fine today, so you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.”
“What about the dragons? Do they ever attack the airship?”
“It travels way too high for them. The only time there can be a problem is when it descends to land. Occasionally a dragon might take a look to see if there’s anything to eat.”
“I don’t like the sound of that.”
“The airship is fitted with defences which can keep the dragons at bay. You really have nothing to worry about.”
“Have you worked at CASS long, Reggie?”
“Man and boy. My father was the caretaker before me; I followed in his footsteps. I couldn’t be happier.”
“What sort of reception do you think I’ll get from the pupils?”
“The majority will be keen to hear what you have to say about the human world. There’ll probably be a few rowdy ones, as there are at any school. They may try to give you a hard time, but it’ll be nothing you can’t handle, I’m sure.”
Just then an announcement came over the Tannoy.
“The airship will be docking in two minutes. Two minutes until the airship docks. All passengers please prepare to board.”
A set of double doors to my right slid open. Beyond them was a short walkway similar to those used to board an aeroplane. Through the windows on either side of the walkway, I could now see the airship, which was anchored to the ground at the side of the building.
“It’s a lot smaller than I was expecting,” I said, as Reggie and I started down the short walkway.
“This is one of the mini airships. They use much larger ones at the beginning and end of term, but it makes sense to use these smaller ones for one-off trips like this.”
Reggie pressed the orange button to open the door onto the airship. Once on board the gondola, we had to climb a staircase up to the small oval lounge. There were padded benches along the walls, and others which ran the width of the lounge. Reggie beckoned me to join him on the bench which looked out over the front of the airship.
“Where’s the driver?” I asked.
“Driver?” He laughed. “I think you mean the pilot. He’s below us. The cockpit is underneath here.”
I felt the airship jerk slightly to one side, and instinctively, I grabbed the handrail.
“It’s okay,” Reggie reassured me. “They’ve released the anchors. Look! We’re starting to rise.”
I looked out of the window, and could see that we were slowly lifting off the ground. The butterflies in my stomach were going crazy, but there was no turning back now. Fortunately, the ascent was slow and very smooth. I’d been worried that I might feel sick, but I was fine.
The ascent continued until the buildings below appeared to be little more than a model village. After no more than ten minutes, the landscape below had changed completely. Gone were all the buildings; we were now journeying over vast areas of wasteland, forests and mountain ranges.
“I had no idea the paranormal world covered such a large area,” I said.
“Most sups only ever see the highly-populated regions, but in fact that’s only a very small portion of the paranormal world. Of course, most of this region is uninhabitable.”
All my fears about the airship journey had now evaporated, and I was able to enjoy the scenery below.
“Have you met Desdemona Nightowl, yet?” Reggie asked.
“Yes, she came to visit me at my house, to see whether or not I intended to give the talk.
”
“She’s a very formidable woman, as I’m sure you’ll discover. She’s only been in the post a few years, but she’s already made her mark.”
“I understand that the building used to belong to the Wrongacre family many years ago?”
“That’s right. Charles Wrongacre left the building and grounds to the Combined Sup Council to do with as they saw fit. They were the ones who decided to create CASS. It was a brave and very surprising decision, but it seems to have paid off. There are still lots of Wrongacre family heirlooms to be seen around the building. In fact, very little has changed since the Wrongacre days. If you get the chance to explore it, I’m sure you’ll find it fascinating.”
A few minutes later, I could sense that the airship was beginning its descent. I checked the windows on all sides in case there were any dragons nearby. Thankfully, there were none to be seen.
“Look!” Reggie pointed. “That’s CASS over there.”
The building, which had four tall towers, was much bigger than I’d expected, and the grounds much more extensive. A high wall circled the estate.
“It’s a very impressive building.” I had my nose pressed to the glass.
“And huge. I’ve lived there more or less all of my life, and I still haven’t managed to explore all of it.”
“Where does the airship land?”
“On the playing fields at the rear of the building.”
I braced myself, but I needn’t have worried because the landing was so smooth that I hadn’t even realised we were on the ground.
We had to wait a few minutes until the airship had been anchored. While we did, I spotted a strange little open-topped vehicle speeding across the playing fields towards us. It looked like some kind of hovercraft, which appeared to be steering itself. There were only five people in the vehicle—a man and four pupils: two girls and two boys.
Eventually, the airship’s door slid open, and I followed Reggie down the steps.
“You must be Jill,” the man had now alighted from the hovercraft. “I’m Cuthbert Bluegrass—the deputy head. Ms Nightowl apologises that she was unable to be here to greet you, but something—err—important has come up.”