My eyes stung and I felt like I wanted to burst into tears and throw myself into Luca’s arms. I took a moment to compose myself and said, “That sounds wonderful. Thank you.”
“Aren’t you going to buy me some cake too?”
Astrid was standing at the door with her hands on her hips and a cold expression on her face. How did she manage to appear so quietly out of nowhere?
She took a slow step forward. “I didn’t know you were back, Luca. I thought you might have told me you were coming back seeing as I’m your girlfriend.”
Luca’s expression hardened. “We need to have a serious talk about our relationship, Astrid, but not here.”
“I’ll decide what happens with our relationship!” Astrid snapped. She turned her cold eyes my way. “Well, Cassia, I’ve heard that you found Dana’s murderer. Good for you. Have you told Luca how I helped you?”
“Not yet. I haven’t had the chance to.” I recoiled at the hate in her eyes. She’d looked at me with hate before, but never this intense. “How’s your grandad?”
She gave me a dismissive shrug. “He’s back where he belongs. They’ll have him drugged up and quiet in no time.” A nasty twinkle came into her eyes. “I’m glad you spoke to him earlier. I’m glad he mentioned your mum. It’s time you knew the truth about her.”
“Astrid!” Luca shot out a warning. “This isn’t the time or place.”
“It’s time Cassia knew the truth,” Astrid said gleefully. “I want to be the one to tell her. I know Blythe said she has to be the one to tell her, but she’s not here, is she? But I am.”
I looked at Luca. “What is she talking about? I want to know.”
Luca picked Stanley up and put him on my knee. He gently moved Oliver to one side and stood up. He advanced on Astrid and said, “I want you to leave right now.”
“You can’t tell me what to do! No one can.” Astrid raised her hands towards Luca and a white light shot out. It enveloped Luca and he stopped in his tracks.
“What have you done to him?” I yelled. “Let him go! Now!”
Astrid shook her head and laughed. “No. I like it when he’s defenceless. He can’t move, but he can hear us and see us. I promised him I wouldn’t tell you what everyone here in Brimstone knows. But I think it’s time you knew the truth about your mum.”
A cold feeling of dread washed over me and I pulled Stanley closer. I could feel his little body trembling. I said to Astrid, “I don’t want to know anything about Mum from you. What happened to you trying to make amends for what you’ve done?”
She gave me a scornful look. “You never believed that for a second. I could see it in your eyes. By the way, thanks for saving my life. You’ll soon wish you hadn’t. I was playing for time by pretending to help you. Thankfully, I’ve now had all the time I needed and my plans are nicely in place.”
Oliver jumped off the sofa and cried out, “Leave this house immediately! Esther will be furious when she hears what you’ve done!”
“If she ever comes back. Don’t interrupt me.” Astrid gave him an annoyed look and then aimed a white flash of light at him. Oliver froze.
Stanley yelled out, “Hey! Leave my brother alone.”
Astrid sighed and rolled her eyes. “I really can’t be bothered with this. I’ve got things to do.” Without any warning, she aimed a white flash our way and I found myself unable to move. It was like a horrifying dream where you can’t wake up even though your mind is fully aware of what’s going on. I attempted to send magic into my fingers, but nothing happened.
Astrid came closer and said, “My spell will only work on you for a few minutes. Let me say what I have to, and then I’ll be off.” She settled herself on the carpet in front of me and gave me a wide smile.
I could only stare at her. No part of my body would move. My mind was working overtime and trying to recall those spells I’d seen in Blythe’s magic books. I’d never felt so powerless in my life. I couldn’t even turn my head to make sure Stanley was alright.
I heard the front door opening. Brin called out, “I’m going out for a few hours. See you later.” The door closed.
Astrid said, “I’m glad she’s gone. I don’t want to be interrupted. Let’s get your mum’s secret out of the way. Grandad said he was glad you’d forgiven him. Who’s the ‘him’ you wonder? And have you forgiven him? Why no, you haven’t, because you don’t know what he’s done. Grandad was getting confused over that part. Silly Grandad.” The malice in her eyes increased and I could see she was enjoying every moment. “Luca is the ‘him’ Grandad was talking about. It’s Luca’s fault your mum died. Ha! Isn’t that hilarious? Everyone in Brimstone knows that, but Blythe asked them to keep it a secret until she told you herself. Everyone has been looking at you with pity all these months. Isn’t that just a hoot? And what’s even funnier is that your gran knows too! She’s kept it a secret from you all these years. Some grandma she is.”
If I could have felt my blood run cold, I’m sure that’s what would be happening now. My mind did register that Kelvin had been right with his prediction. People close to me had been deceiving me about a death.
Astrid continued happily, “You are going to have many questions for everyone, aren’t you? I don’t blame you. Everyone has been so deceitful, especially your own grandma. You can’t trust anyone. Not even your old friend, Luca. How did he cause your mum’s death? Well, Cassia, you’ll have to ask him that. I don’t have the time to go into details. Let me tell you what I’ve been up to these past few days.”
I felt a tingle in my little finger. Was my magic starting to work? I concentrated on the tingle and tried to intensify it.
Astrid pulled a bottle from her pocket. “I stole four bottles of Memory Mist from Cody’s cupboard. I’ve already used three bottles. I used a bit on Blythe to convince her to confront her cousins again. I told her she had to take Esther with her. I couldn’t have those witches interfering with my plans. I needed them out of the way. I’ve used the most of the mist on residents in Brimstone. I’ve filled their heads with thoughts of hate and revenge towards their neighbours. I can’t tell you who because that will take the fun out of it when you’re inundated with murder cases. Because that’s going to happen, Cassia, I can guarantee that. I’ve whispered murderous thoughts in many ears over the last few days. Who did I visit? Was it Gilda at the café? Was it that little garden gnome who keeps talking to you? Maybe it was the good Dr Morgan? You won’t know who’s going to perform a murderous act next.” She looked Luca’s way. “I’ve been using Memory Mist on him for months. I had to keep reminding him how much he loves me.”
I tried desperately to ignore her terrible words and I concentrated on the tingle which had spread to my other fingers.
Astrid stood up and said, “I wish I could stay and witness the chaos I’ve caused, but I have to leave Brimstone forever. Blythe suspected her cousins had someone here helping them. She was right. It was me. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed causing problems for you and your skinny cat. But I have other towns to visit and my work here is done. I might pop back in disguise to see how you’re getting on.” She looked at the bottle in her hand and smiled. “I’m going to leave you with one last present. Well, it’s a present for me really.”
She took the lid off the bottle and walked over to Luca. She pulled his jaw down and tipped half the contents of the bottle into it. She tugged on his ear and pulled his head close to her mouth. She whispered into his ear for a while.
I knew her magic was wearing off me because I could feel my stomach clenching with fear. Magic was flowing into my hands now and I raised them in Astrid’s direction.
She spun around and grinned at me. “Too slow, Cassia Winter, too slow. Bye!” She promptly vanished.
Stanley stirred on my knee and turned tearful eyes my way. His voice shook as he said, “Cassia, I heard every evil thing she said. Did you?”
“I did.”
Oliver came out of his frozen state and said, “Did that really happen? Di
d Astrid say those terrible things? It feels like the world has just ended. Where did that evil woman go? What’s going to happen to Blythe and Esther? Cassia, what are you going to do?”
I felt numb with shock and said, “I don’t know. I really don’t know.”
Stanley said to me, “You don’t believe what she said about Luca, do you?”
I repeated, “I don’t know. I don’t know what to think.”
Oliver said, “Luca’s coming out of the spell now. He’ll help us. He’ll know what the truth is.”
We all stared at Luca expectantly as he blinked and turned his head our way.
He took in his surroundings and said, “What just happened? Why am I in Blythe’s house?”
I stood up with Stanley in my arms and said, “We can explain everything. Luca, we really need your help.”
Luca frowned. “Who are you? Have we met?”
Fear clutched my heart. “It’s me, Cassia. We’re friends.”
Luca shook his head. “I’ve never seen you before in my life. Where’s Blythe? I want to talk to her.”
I put my hand on his arm. “Blythe is out of town. Luca, you must remember me. I’m Cassia, and this is Stanley.”
Luca gave me a cold look and pushed my hand off his arm. “I don’t know who you are, but I don’t think you should be in Blythe’s house if she isn’t here. Shall I show you out or can you manage that yourself?”
Stanley called out, “Luca! It’s me! Your old friend!”
Luca marched out of the room. We went after him and found him at the front door holding it open.
“Leave now,” he ordered. “I don’t want to see you anywhere near this house or me again.”
I stared helplessly at Luca as I walked past him. This was Astrid’s parting gift to me. Oliver trotted after us. The door was slammed behind us.
Stanley said, “What just happened? Am I having a nightmare?”
I said, “I’m having the same nightmare.”
Stanley’s voice was hoarse with emotion as he said, “He doesn’t remember me. I’m his friend, but he doesn’t know it.”
I cuddled Stanley and said, “Everything is going to be alright. Things will sort themselves out one way or another.”
“Do you promise? Can you use magic to sort things out? You have to do something. You have to.” He laid his head on my chest.
My throat was too choked with fear for me to reply. My whole world had come crashing down. Gran and Blythe had gone. Luca didn’t know me. Astrid had made sure I couldn’t trust anyone in Brimstone anymore.
I looked out helplessly towards the town square.
And then a butterfly fluttered towards me. A beautiful, pale green Brimstone butterfly. She landed on my shoulder and whispered in my ear, “You can do this, Cassia. You can save Brimstone. We will help you.”
The flapping of her wings sent a flicker of hope into my heart along with a smidgeon of determination.
Yes, I could save Brimstone. But how?
The Murdered Mermaid
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
The Murdered Mermaid
Chapter 1
“So, let’s recap,” I said to Oliver and Stanley across the kitchen table. “Any one of the residents in Brimstone could be plotting a murder at this very moment. We don’t know who, and we don’t know where.”
Stanley, my cat and familiar, nodded. “That’s right so far. That nasty, evil, malicious Astrid said she’d been secretly changing the memories of residents so that they’ll now have thoughts of murder racing through their minds.” He waved his paw angrily in the air. “I wish I could get my paws on her!”
Oliver, his brother, said calmly, “What’s done is done. We have to deal with the fallout of what Astrid did. Carry on, Cassia, what was your next point?”
I continued, “As a justice witch in the town, it’s my duty to deal with any crimes, including murders. Blythe and Gran are supposed to help me. But they’re missing in action, thanks to Astrid and her devious plan. The guardians of the town can help me with any investigation, but the one in charge, Luca, doesn’t remember me and looked at me with hate when we last met. Again, thanks to Astrid.” I picked up my cup of tea and took a drink.
Oliver said, “And? We know all of this. Cassia, what’s your point?”
I shrugged. “I was seeing how bad our situation is. I don’t think it can get much worse.”
Stanley groaned, rolled off the chair and landed on the floor. “You’ve cursed us now. Things are going to get a lot, lot worse. In ways that we can’t even imagine.” He groaned again for good measure and rested his head on his paws.
“Stanley!” Oliver admonished. “There’s no need to be so dramatic. Yes, things look bleak at the moment and Cassia won’t be able to trust a soul in Brimstone, but it’s not the end of the world.”
Stanley looked up at his brother. “It feels like it. Luca doesn’t remember me either. We were friends; good friends.” He shook his head sadly. “And now Cassia’s too scared to go back into Brimstone. The residents have probably killed each other by now.”
I bristled. “I am not too scared to go back! I’m just taking a day or two to gather my thoughts.”
Oliver gave me a stern look. “You don’t have that many thoughts in your head, young lady. Have you come up with a plan of action yet? You can’t sit here all day drinking tea and hoping the problems in Brimstone will go away on their own. You’re a justice witch, the only one at the moment, and it’s your duty to deal with whatever is going on in Brimstone.”
I put my cup down. “I know that. It’s just that…” I trailed off. I had no excuses. I knew I should go back to Brimstone and deal with the aftermath of what Astrid had done.
Astrid had been a guardian in the magical town of Brimstone. She was also the girlfriend of my childhood friend, Luca. She had hated me on first sight and had let her feelings be known. She had hindered my murder investigations a few times and had caused serious problems with the last one I’d dealt with. She’d stolen a magical potion called Memory Mist which had the ability to change someone’s memories and how they would act in the future. Astrid boasted that she’d whispered murderous thoughts into many a residents’ ear. The result would be more murders in Brimstone. She’d also removed all memories of Stanley and me from Luca’s mind. I tried not to think about how coldly Luca had looked at me when Astrid had done that. That last part had happened yesterday, and I’d immediately returned to Gran’s house to metaphorically lick my wounds. And drink lots of tea.
Oliver sighed impatiently. “Cassia! Come out of your daydream. You need to get back to Brimstone immediately and face up to your responsibilities! What will Esther and Blythe say when they come back and find the town in chaos and realise that you’ve done nothing to help?”
“Okay, you don’t have to shout.”
Oliver shouted, “I think I do! Someone has to! Are you a brave Winter witch or a scared little mouse?”
“I’m a brave Winter witch,” I mumbled. I looked away from his accusing eyes.
“Pardon? Was that the mumbling of a tiny mouse?” Oliver put his paw to the side of his ear. Who was being dramatic now?
I slammed my hand on the table and declared, �
��I’m a brave Winter witch! I’m going back to Brimstone right now! I’m going to face danger head-on!”
Oliver said, “There’s no need to shout. I’m not deaf.”
Stanley called out from his prone position on the floor, “Quiet! I can hear a noise in the cellar. I think someone’s knocking at the door.”
We all remained silent as Stanley concentrated on the noise. My heart missed a beat at the thought of someone knocking on the cellar door below us. The cellar door led to Brimstone. Despite me telling Gran many times to put a lock on the door, she’d refused. Which meant that if someone was now knocking on the door, they could easily come through and into Gran’s house.
Stanley hissed, “There is definitely someone knocking at the door!”
I went over to Stanley’s side and crouched next to him. “Is it an angry knock? Is it the knock of a mad creature who’s murdered everyone in Brimstone and is now after us?”
Stanley listened again. “It’s quite a polite knock. There it is again. Whoever it is isn’t going away until you answer the door.” He got to his paws and said, “I’ll go and see who it is. You wait here.”
I looked at my grey-haired friend and smiled at him. “Thank you, but I’ll open the door.”
Stanley held a paw up. “No, I insist. I’d rather put myself in danger. It’s my duty to look after you.”
I shook my head. “No. I’m the witch. I know how to do magic. It’s best that I go.”
Oliver jumped down from his chair and let out an angry hiss. “You two are testing my patience! I’ll go!”
He padded quickly away with his tail in the air twitching angrily.
We went after him. He was nimble on his paws and was downstairs and standing at the cellar door before we caught up with him. Without any warning, Oliver popped his head through the cat flap.
“Oliver!” Stanley cried out. “Don’t get your head chopped off!”
Oliver’s head came back, thankfully still attached to his body. He said quietly, “It’s Luca. He doesn’t look happy.” He padded over to my side.
Brimstone Witch Mysteries - Box Set 2 Page 16