by Adele Abbott
“I saw Aunt Lucy earlier—she never mentioned it, but then she was in a bit of a rush.”
“We’re going to Candle Sands. It’s brilliant there. We always used to go when we were kids. You should definitely come.”
“I do like the seaside, and it’s been ages since I went. Aren’t Alan and William going?”
“No. It’s a girls’ day out. Say you’ll come, Jill. It’ll be a laugh.”
“Go on then. Why not?”
Daze and Blaze were seated near the window.
“Jill! Come and join us,” Blaze called to me.
“Hi, you two.”
“Hi.” Daze barely managed a smile.
“What’s wrong, Daze?”
“Nothing. I’m okay.”
“You don’t look it.”
“She’s annoyed about the new uniforms,” Blaze said.
Daze shot him a withering look. “I told you I didn’t want to talk about it.”
“What’s wrong with your catsuits?” I said. “I always thought they looked good.”
“They do.” She sighed. “But the powers-that-be have got it into their heads that we need a change. A new image.” She used air quotes to emphasise her disdain.
“I quite like the new uniforms,” Blaze said, sheepishly.
“You would!” she barked at him.
“What are they like?” I asked.
“Look.” Blaze took a small, glossy leaflet out of his pocket, and placed it on the table.
“Oh dear. I’m not surprised you don’t like this.”
The leaflet showed two models wearing the proposed new rogue retriever costumes. The man was wearing what looked like a tracksuit; the woman was wearing a tight top and a mini-skirt. A micro-mini skirt.
“I’m not wearing that.” Daze stabbed the leaflet with her finger.
“You have the legs for it,” Blaze said.
“Shut up!” She slapped him down. “It doesn’t matter whether or not I have the legs for it; it’s demeaning. And besides, how am I meant to do my job in that? I’m not wearing it and that’s that.”
“But it’s compulsory,” Blaze said, in little more than a whisper.
“I don’t care. I’m not wearing it, and if they don’t like it, they’ll just have to sack me.”
Daze was livid, and I didn’t blame her.
“I bet this was some man’s idea,” I said.
“Of course it was. I’d like to see him dressed like that. Anyway, enough of my woes. I’m sure you have problems of your own, Jill.”
“No kidding. There isn’t a muffin to be had in the place.”
***
I was feeling quite chipper when I arrived home. The thought of a trip to the seaside had certainly lifted my spirits.
“You look very pleased with yourself,” Jack said. He was in the kitchen, preparing dinner.
“I’ve had a good day at work. Two new clients.”
“That’s good. Paying cases?”
“One of them is. What’s for dinner?”
“Sea bass with new potatoes and salad.”
“Nice. You’re so good to me.” I gave him a peck on the cheek.
“Wasn’t it supposed to be Mrs Crustie’s day in today?” he said. “It doesn’t look like she’s been.”
“She won’t be cleaning for us anymore.”
“Did she resign?”
“Not exactly. I fired her.”
“Why would you do that?”
“I caught her having a party in our lounge with some of her friends.”
“Are you sure it was a party?”
“Of course I’m sure. They were drinking wine, eating cakes, and singing and dancing. Our wine and our cakes!”
“Couldn’t you have just given her a warning?”
“No, I couldn’t. The woman was a liability. We’re well shut of her.”
“Where will we find another cleaner?”
“We don’t need to. I’ll do the cleaning.”
He laughed. “No, seriously, Jill. Where will we find someone to replace Mrs Crustie?”
“I’m deadly serious. From now on, I’ll be doing all the cleaning.”
“Good luck with that. I’ll give it a week. Two at most.”
We were halfway through dinner when Jack suddenly shot up from his chair.
“There’s something I want to show you. I left it in my coat pocket.” He disappeared into the hallway, and returned a few moments later, clutching a leaflet. “This looks great. We should try it.”
“If it’s some boring dancing thing, I’m not interested.”
“It isn’t.”
“Or bowling.”
“It’s paintball. Look.” He placed the leaflet on the table in front of me.
“Now you’re talking. I’m up for shooting someone with paint. When are we going?”
“By someone, I assume you mean me?”
“Not necessarily. We should get Kathy and Peter to go with us. We’d annihilate them.”
“Good idea. Do you think they’d be up for it?”
“Who cares? Kathy owes me for all the awful things she drags me along to. I’ll tell her they have to come.”
“I’ve never seen you so enthusiastic about anything.”
“I can’t wait to see Kathy plastered with paint. It’ll be great.”
Chapter 4
The next morning, Jack left early for work. I was still buzzing with thoughts of paintball, so I gave Kathy a call.
“It’s me.”
“Jill? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“Then why are you calling while my brain is still tucked up in bed?”
“We’re going paintballing.”
“I’m so very pleased for you. Goodbye.”
“Wait! I mean we’re going paintballing. Me and Jack, and you and Peter.”
“Is that your way of asking if we’d like to go?”
“It’ll be great.”
“Actually, I’ve always fancied having a go at that.”
“We’ll give you and Peter a good whupping.”
“And what are you basing that claim on?” She laughed. “Don’t you remember when Dad bought us those toy guns which fired darts with rubber suckers on the ends?”
“No.”
“Yes, you do. There was a plastic target included with the set. I hit the bullseye every time; you couldn’t even hit the target.”
“You’ve just made that up. I don’t remember any of that.”
“You must do. Dad confiscated your gun after he caught you firing at my Barbies.”
Suddenly, it all came back to me. “You grassed me up.”
“You were shooting at my Barbies.”
“Are you and Peter up for it, then?”
“Definitely. When did you have in mind?”
“How about this weekend?”
“I’ll check with Pete to make sure he doesn’t have to work. Can the kids come?”
“It’s adults only.”
“Okay. I’ll see if Pete’s mum can take them, and I’ll get back to you.”
“Great! We’re so going to destroy you two.”
“In your dreams.”
When I stepped out of the door, Megan was in the front garden, watering her plants.
“Megan, thanks for calling me yesterday.”
“That’s okay. I saw those women leave shortly after you came home. Had they broken in?”
“No. One of them was our cleaner. They were having some kind of party.”
“What did you do?”
“I sacked the cleaner and threw them all out.”
“I wish I could afford a cleaner.”
“They’re more trouble than they’re worth. I’m going to do it myself from now on.”
“Will you have time? You always seem to be really busy.”
“I’ll have to make time. I suppose I could always resort to magic, if I have to.”
She laughed. “Yeah. I guess there’s always that option.”
>
“Are you and Ryan still okay?”
“We’re getting on great. I’ve got so much more energy since I started drinking that iron supplement that he introduced me to.”
“Are you still drinking it, then?”
“Yeah. I asked Ryan to get a few bottles for me. I have a drink each morning before I start the day.”
“Right. And you feel better for it?”
“Much.”
“That’s—err—really great.”
“Oh no!” Megan pointed up the road. “I’m going inside. Catch you later, Jill.”
She’d seen Mr Hosey’s train tootling down the road towards us. He pulled up at the end of my driveway, blocking me in.
“Good morning, Jill.”
“Morning, Mr Hosey. I was just on my way to work.”
“Have you noticed anything?” He pointed to Bessie.
“I don’t think so.”
“I’ve removed that hideous face.”
“Oh, yes. Of course. She looks much better.” Mr Hosey was embroiled in a feud with Mr Kilbride, my neighbour from across the road. Mr Kilbride had painted a face on Mr Hosey’s train; Mr Hosey had retaliated by painting a face on Mr Kilbride’s house. They were such adults. “Have you two called a truce?”
“Far from it. It’s outright war now. Look!” He pointed up the road, and there, steaming towards us was another train, almost identical to Bessie. At the controls was Mr Kilbride.
I watched wide-eyed as this second train came flying past us on the opposite side of the road.
“Sorry, Jill.” Mr Hosey jumped back into Bessie. “I can’t let him get ahead of me.”
I watched, stunned, as the two trains disappeared into the distance.
***
After I’d parked my car in Washbridge, I magicked myself over to Aunt Lucy’s house.
“Jill. I’m so glad you’re coming with us. I meant to tell you about it yesterday, but with all the rushing around, it totally slipped my mind.”
“That’s okay. I’m looking forward to it. Are the twins meeting us here?”
“Yes. They should have been here twenty minutes ago, but when were they ever on time? Would you like a drink while we’re waiting for them?”
“I’m okay, thanks. I’ll just nip upstairs and say hello to Barry and Hamlet.”
“Barry is at Dolly’s house. She said she’d look after him today.”
“Right. I’ll just check in with the hamster, then.”
Hamlet was in his armchair; he had his earphones in again.
“Hello there!” I waved my hand in front of the cage.
“You again?”
“You were out when I called back yesterday. How was the book fair?”
“Disappointing, but then I find most things are these days.”
“Your card payment was rejected.”
“The subscription seems to have gone through okay.”
“Only because I paid for it using my card.”
“That was very generous of you. Thank you very much. But then, I suppose it’s only fair recompense for babysitting that hound of yours.” He put his earphones back in.
“But—I—err.” I was wasting my breath; he was lost on the high seas with Moby Dick.
The twins arrived as I was on my way down the stairs.
“We’re going to the seaside!” they chanted.
“How are we getting there?” I asked.
“The train. It’s the best way to travel to the seaside.”
“How far away is it?”
“A couple of hours. The weather looks promising. The forecast said it’ll be sunny all day.”
“Are you ready, girls?” Aunt Lucy appeared.
“Yes!” All three of us shouted.
“Where are you lot off to?”
Oh no! Grandma.
“We’re going to Candle Sands, mother.” Aunt Lucy stepped forward. “Why don’t you come with us? We’d love you to.”
The twins and I exchanged a glance. Had Aunt Lucy completely lost her mind?
“It’s a bit late to ask me now, Lucy, isn’t it? Why didn’t you tell me you were going?”
“It was all very last minute. A spur of the moment thing, but there’s still time for you to come. You’ll enjoy the sea air.”
“It must be nice to have the time to go gallivanting off to the seaside. Some of us are too busy to drop everything, and go and build sandcastles. Some of us have more important issues to attend to.”
“Never mind. Maybe next time. Come on, girls. We have a train to catch.”
“Just a minute.” Grandma grabbed my arm, and pulled me to one side. “I need a quick word with Jill.”
“What is it, Grandma?”
“Keep an eye open for sand demons,” she said in a whisper.
“Sand—?”
“Shush. I don’t want to scare Lucy and the girls.”
“What are sand demons?”
“They’re green, and have two heads and large teeth. They’re more or less extinct now, but there have been a few tragic incidents over the last few months.”
“Tragic? How do you mean?”
“The demons live under the beach—just below the surface. They grab unsuspecting passers-by, and drag them under the sand where they devour them; even the bones.”
“That’s horrible.”
“They’re resistant to most spells. Luckily, you’re powerful enough to see them off, so just make sure you keep your eyes peeled.”
“Okay. Thanks for the warning.” I went back to join the others.
“That was close.” Amber let out a sigh of relief. “It would have ruined the day if she’d tagged along.”
“Why did you tell her that we wanted her to come with us, Mum?” Pearl said.
“Because I knew if I said that, she’d say ‘no’. If she’d thought we didn’t want her to come with us, she would have invited herself. It’s called reverse psychology.”
“Brilliant! Well done, Mum.”
“Yeah. Well done, Aunt Lucy. You saved the day.”
We could have magicked ourselves to Candle Sands, but I’m glad we didn’t. The train journey through long stretches of beautiful countryside was delightful. The train was like the old-fashioned ones I’d only ever seen in photographs and movies in the human world. Instead of long, open carriages, there were small compartments which seated only six people. The four of us managed to grab one all to ourselves.
“Can we buy buckets and spades?” Pearl yelled as we walked the short distance from the Candle Sands railway station to the town.
“Yeah! Can we, Mum?” Amber said.
“Remind me how old you two are again?”
“Please, Mum. You have to build sandcastles at the seaside.”
“As long as you pay for them yourselves. I paid for the train tickets.”
The twins sped off towards the small shop across the road.
“Don’t you want a bucket and spade, Jill?”
“No, thanks.” I needed my wits about me to keep a look out for sand demons.
“I love this place,” Aunt Lucy said. “I used to come here with Grandma and your mother when we were children. It hasn’t changed very much since then.”
The small town of Candle Sands sat on top of a cliff; in the distance was a white brick lighthouse. A number of paths weaved their way down to the sandy beach below.
“Which one is best, Jill? It’s mine, isn’t it?” Amber pointed to her sandcastle.
“Rubbish!” Pearl scoffed. “Mine knocks spots off yours, doesn’t it, Jill?”
“I’m not acting as the judge.” I had no intention of getting involved. “Ask your mum.”
Aunt Lucy shot me a look. “I’m not being the judge either. I don’t want one of you sulking for the rest of the day. They’re both as good as one another.”
“But, Mum, mine is much better,” Pearl protested.
“Look! Over there!” Aunt Lucy pointed. At first, I thought it was just a clever ploy to distract
the twins, but then I realised what she was pointing at. A hundred yards down the beach, a small crowd was gathered around a man and his dog. The small dog was performing tricks, much to the delight of the audience.
“Let’s take a closer look.” I led the way; Amber and Pearl followed. Aunt Lucy lay back in her deck chair, no doubt appreciative of the peace and quiet.
The dog was small—about the size of a Yorkshire terrier. It was an absolute delight, and seemed to enjoy performing. Its owner, a wizard in his forties, was seated in a deck chair, from where he shouted out one command after another.
“Look!” Amber grabbed my arm. “Behind the deck chair.”
I followed her gaze to a small cage in which there were two tiny puppies.
“They’re adorable.” Pearl led the way over to the cage.
The two pups came over to us, and pushed their tiny paws through the bars of the cage.
The performance had now ended, and the star of the show was enjoying a well-deserved bowl of food. The man in the deck chair leaned over to talk to us. “They’re just like their dad, don’t you think?”
It was true; the pups were like miniature versions of the performing dog.
“They’re gorgeous.” Amber was clearly smitten.
“I’m looking for a good home for them, if you’re interested?”
“Really?” Pearl said. “How much do you want for them?”
“Hold on, girls.” I felt I should step in before they did something rash.
“Five hundred pounds each.”
The twins looked at one another, and I knew what was coming.
“We’ll take them.”
“Wait!” I said. “You need to think about this. It’s a big commitment.”
“We know what we’re doing, Jill,” Amber insisted.
That would be a first.
“We don’t have enough cash with us,” Pearl said. “But we could give you a deposit of a hundred pounds, and then come back with the rest in a couple of days.”
“Girls!” I tried again. “Don’t you think you should at least talk it over with Aunt Lucy first?”
“Deal.” The man shook Pearl’s hand. “A hundred pounds now, and the rest when you come to collect them. You’ve bought yourself two puppies.”
The twins whooped with excitement.