by Adele Abbott
***
The other young woman whose details I’d obtained from Regent’s Hospital was Carmen Rigby. Her file showed no next of kin, but it did include a contact name: Melissa Jones—her flatmate. When I called Melissa, she was at home and said I could pop straight over.
“Is there any news on Carmen?” she asked, once we were seated at her kitchen table.
“No new developments, I’m afraid.”
“How come you’re looking into Carmen’s illness? Is something fishy going on?”
“I’m not sure, but she isn’t the only young woman to be affected in this way.”
“Does that mean it’s a virus or something? Do you think I might get it?”
“I’m sure you’ll be okay. There are only three cases so far.”
“Only three that you know about.”
“True. Have you known Carmen long?”
“We’ve been flatmates for about six years now. She’s the sweetest person you could ever wish to meet.”
“Her file doesn’t list a next of kin?”
“She doesn’t have one. She never knew her father, and her mother died a few years ago.”
“What about siblings, grandparents? Aunts? Uncles?”
“No. There’s no one else. If I was all alone in the world, I’d have a real chip on my shoulder, but Carmen was always happy. It doesn’t seem fair that something like this should have happened to her.”
“Had she complained of feeling ill before?”
“No. She was never ill—not even when she was. If I get a runny nose, that’s good enough for a few days off work. Not Carmen, though. If she broke both legs, she’d still crawl into work. She really enjoys the company of the other girls she works with.”
“Where does she work?”
“In the black pudding factory. I don’t know how she can work there. It would turn my stomach.”
“How did the illness take hold?”
“It was really weird. One night, we’re just sitting chatting as normal. The next day, she’s turned into someone possessed. I thought she was messing around at first, but then she tried to scratch my eyes out. I had to lock her in the flat while I called the ambulance. I feel guilty for getting her put away, but what else could I do?”
I thanked Melissa for her time, and promised to let her know if I made any progress. One interesting fact that had emerged from our discussion was that Carmen also worked at the black pudding factory. Could that connection be important? It seemed unlikely because the third victim, Andrea Teller, didn’t work there. Still, it couldn’t hurt for me to talk to some of the people who worked alongside Jasmine and Carmen.
I made a call to Jules.
“Jill? Did you want me to come back in? I’m at the spa. Cindy and I were going to get a sauna.”
“No, you’re okay. Look, I’d like to speak with the people who know Jasmine and Carmen the best.”
“Who’s Carmen?”
“Carmen Rigby. She’s in Regent’s Hospital with the same symptoms as Jasmine. I thought you’d know her; she works at the black pudding factory too.”
“She must have started after I left. Do you want me to get you the names and contact details of their closest friends?”
“It would be quicker and easier if I could speak with them all at the same time. Maybe, you could organise it for me to meet them at the factory? I’d like to do it tomorrow or the day after if at all possible.”
“Okay. I’ll get Lules to arrange it.”
“Great. Enjoy your sauna.”
My phone rang; it was Grandma.
“I’ve got it,” she said.
“Got what?”
“The thing I’ve been toiling over all weekend. The potion to stop Ma Chivers, of course.”
“That’s great.”
“I’ll bring it up to your office now.”
“No. Don’t do that. The office is infested with locusts.”
“Should I ask why?”
“Probably best not to. I’ll pop down to Ever first thing this afternoon to collect it.”
“Are you sure you’ll be able to get Ma Chivers to drink it? You can’t afford to mess this up. We don’t have time to brew anymore.”
“Have I ever let you down before?”
“Would you like me to list all of the times? I could do it chronologically or alphabetically. Which would you prefer?”
“Neither, thanks. And you don’t have to worry about the potion. I’ve got this one.”
“I hope so, for all our sakes.”
Chapter 19
I had an appointment with the king of the pixies, but as I had a little time to kill before that, I dropped in at Cuppy C first.
“Aunt Lucy? I thought you’d only agreed to cover for the one day?”
“I take it you haven’t heard yet, then?”
“Heard what?”
“The twins are devastated. Their dogs have gone missing.”
“The puppies? Both of them?”
“First thing this morning, Pearl called me in tears, and then a few minutes later, Amber did the same. They said they were going to get in touch with you.”
“I haven’t heard from them yet. Do they think someone has stolen them?”
“What other explanation can there be? Do you think you’ll be able to get them back, Jill?”
“I’ll need to talk to the twins, but I can’t go over there just now because I have an appointment with the king of the pixies. Will you tell Amber and Pearl I’ll get over to see them just as soon as I can?”
“I will. Thanks, Jill. Your usual, I assume?”
“Yes, please.”
“How was your weekend?”
“Okay. We played paintball on Saturday. Jack and I whupped Kathy and Peter, so that was good. Then on Sunday, we had a barbecue, which wasn’t quite so good.”
“Why not?”
“I don’t like barbecues at the best of times, but the worst part was trying to explain to Kathy why I had to stop the kids going into the sandpit. I could hardly tell her that I was searching for sand demons, could I?”
“Sand demons?”
“I probably shouldn’t have mentioned it. Grandma asked me to keep an eye open for them at Candle Sands, and then she told me that some were now living in sandpits in the human world.”
“Oh dear.” Aunt Lucy began to laugh.
“It’s not funny. They could have eaten Lizzie.”
“If such things existed, they could.”
“Don’t they?”
“Grandma was winding you up.”
“You mean to tell me that she made the whole thing up?”
“I’m afraid so. There’s no such thing; there never has been.”
“I’m going to kill that woman!”
***
King Dollop lived in a magnificent palace, aptly named Palace Dollop. As with all things pixie, the building was incredibly small, so I was forced to shrink myself in order to pay him a visit.
“His highness is expecting you.” The courtier, dressed in a sparkly blue suit, came to collect me from the entrance hall. “Before I take you through to meet his royal highness, there are some things you need to know. It’s important that the correct etiquette is observed. You may find some of this rather unusual because it is very different to the customs observed in the human world. I’m sure you understand.”
“Yes, of course. I wouldn’t want to do anything that might cause offence.”
“The first thing you need to know is how you should address his highness.”
“I assume I should call him your highness?”
“Goodness no. His staff, such as myself, address him as ‘your highness’, but honoured guests, such as yourself, should address him as Top Dollop.”
“Sorry? Did you just say—”
“Top Dollop. That’s right. It may sound a little informal, but I assure you that is what is required.”
“Okay. If you’re sure.”
“When you’re introduced to him
, you must not curtsy.”
“Should I bow?”
“Goodness no. You should raise your hand like this. The king will do the same, and slap your palm with his.”
“You mean a high-five?”
“I understand that’s what you call it in the human world, but here it has a more formal connotation. Would you like to practise? Pretend I’m the king.”
“Okay.” I raised my hand, and said, “Top Dollop.”
“Almost, but you need to say, ‘Goes it, Top Dollop?’”
“Goes it?”
“That’s it. Try again.”
I did, and this time the courtier seemed satisfied.
“Okay. Follow me. The king will see you now.” He led the way through an enormous set of double doors into a huge stateroom. Our footsteps echoed as we walked across the marble floor towards the throne.
“Your highness.” The courtier bowed. “May I present Jill Gooder.”
When the king stood up, I stepped forward, raised my hand, and said, “Goes it, Top Dollop?”
The king gave me a look which was a combination of anger and disbelief. I glanced at the courtier who seemed to deliberately avoid my gaze.
“I beg your pardon?” the king boomed. “What kind of disrespectful behaviour is this?”
“I—err—I’m sorry—sir—your highness. I was told—”
The king’s face cracked and he doubled up with laughter. The courtier was in stitches too. I had no idea what was going on.
“Sorry, Jill,” the king eventually managed. “Just my little joke. Don’t blame Chambers. This was all my idea. You can’t imagine how boring this job can be. I need to liven things up occasionally. Will you forgive me?”
“Of course.” I smiled—as much through relief as anything else. “What should I call you? Your highness?”
“Nothing so stuffy. Call me Arthur. Now, let’s have a cup of tea, and we’ll get down to business.”
Moments later, tea and pixie cakes were served; they were delicious.
“What I’m about to tell you, Jill, is strictly off the record.” The king was speaking in a hushed voice, even though there was now no one else in the room.
“I understand.”
“The Forever Candle has been in the palace grounds for as long as anyone can remember. It has magical properties that make it shine brighter than one thousand conventional candles. And, no matter how long it burns, it never gets any smaller. A few days ago, the candle went missing. Between you and me, I couldn’t care less if I never saw it again. To most pixies, the Forever Candle is an important symbol, but to me, it’s an eyesore which gives off quite an unpleasant odour. But that’s all beside the point because if word were to get out that it was missing, there could be widespread panic. Rumour has it that if the Forever Candle is lost, the kingdom will crumble. All complete nonsense of course.”
“How come word hasn’t already got out?”
“As soon as its disappearance was noticed, the Fountain Court, where it is normally kept, was closed off. Only a small number of trusted employees are aware of what has happened. We should be able to get away with keeping the grounds and gardens closed for a few more days, on the pretence that essential maintenance work is being carried out. Any longer than that, and awkward questions will be asked. That’s where you come in. I’m hoping that you will be able to track down and return the candle before it’s too late.”
“How did the thief remove it?”
“It wouldn’t have been too difficult because that area is normally open to the public. The candle doesn’t have any value as such, and certainly isn’t the kind of thing that could be sold on the open market without drawing attention. For that reason, it was never felt necessary to provide security to protect it. It has, after all, been in that same location for hundreds of years.”
“Where is the Fountain Court?”
“Outside. To the rear of the palace.”
“Could I see it?”
“Of course. I’ll get Chambers to take you there before you leave.”
“Do you get many visitors?”
“Not inside the palace; that’s strictly out of bounds, but the grounds and gardens, including the Fountain Court, are open for most of the year.”
“I assume your visitors are all pixies?”
“Not at all. All manner of sups visit the grounds and gardens, which were designed with extra wide pathways to accommodate our ‘bigger’ guests. What do you think our chances of recovering the candle are? Should I prepare for the worst?”
“Not yet. I wouldn’t want to build up your hopes too high, but I already have a hunch I’d like to follow up on.”
“You do? Would you care to share your thoughts?”
“I’d prefer not to just yet, but I’m cautiously optimistic.”
After we’d finished our conversation, the king summoned Chambers, and asked him to show me to the Fountain Court. The circular courtyard was bordered by a number of small fountains. In the centre of the courtyard was a structure which resembled a bandstand. In there, stood a plinth, on top of which was a golden candlestick.
“I’m sorry about earlier,” Chambers said. “The king enjoys his practical jokes.”
“That’s okay. I assume the candle would normally be kept over there?” I pointed.
“That’s right.”
“How close to it can visitors normally get?”
“As close as they like. And until now, there’s never been a problem.”
I spent the next few minutes looking around the area.
“Okay. I think I’ve seen enough.”
“Do you have any more questions for me?”
“No, thanks. I have everything I need.”
It was time for another trip to the seaside.
***
The first time I’d been to Candle Sands, I’d travelled there by train. The second time, I’d taken Lester’s car. This time I didn’t have any time to waste, so I magicked myself there.
I landed on the cliff top, and was on my way to the lighthouse when I heard the shriek of young voices coming from below. Two very excitable youngsters were pulling their parents along the beach—obviously eager to show them something.
And that something was the same performing dog that we’d seen on our first visit to the resort. There was already a small crowd gathered around the wizard and his dog. But it wasn’t the performing dog that caught my eye; it was the cage behind the deck chair. A cage which contained two small puppies.
I hurried down the path to the beach, and joined the crowd. The eager young dog was performing its tricks, much to the delight of the onlookers, but I was much more interested in getting a closer look at the puppies. They looked familiar—too familiar for my liking. The markings on the two dogs were identical in every way to those on the puppies that the twins had taken home with them. Something about this just didn’t smell right.
I called Daze.
“Hi, Jill. It sounds windy where you are.”
“I’m on the beach at Candle Sands.”
“It’s alright for some.” She laughed. “Don’t get sunburnt.”
“I’m working on a case, actually. I was just wondering if you maintain any kind of photo database of known criminals?”
“There is one, but as a rogue retriever, I only have access to records of those criminals who have been convicted of crimes in the human world. To do a search on the whole database, you’d need to speak to Maxine Jewell.”
“I’d be wasting my time there. She still hates me.”
“What’s this all about?”
“I may be barking up the wrong tree, but I think there’s something funny going on over here. I have a bad feeling about this one guy—he’s a wizard, and I think he may be running some kind of scam. If I can snap a photo of him, will you run a check on him for me?”
“Sure. It might take me a short while to get back to you, though.”
“That’s okay. Thanks, Daze.”
Lots of peopl
e in the crowd were taking photos of the performing dog, so it was easy for me to snap a photo of the wizard without drawing attention to myself. I sent Daze a text message with the photo attached, and then made my way back up the beach path to the lighthouse.
Maude O’Nuts answered the door. “Jill? I didn’t expect to see you again so soon.”
“Is Duncan in?”
“Yes. He’s just having a cup of tea. Would you like one?”
“No, thanks. Do you think I could have a quick word with him in private?”
“Of course. I’ll leave you two in peace. I have some ironing to do.”
I waited until Duncan and I were alone, and then said, “I know about the Forever Candle, Duncan.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“In that case, you won’t mind if I take a look up there, will you?” I started towards the stone spiral staircase that led up to the light.
“No! You can’t go up there!” He moved to block my way.
“I know you stole the Forever Candle, and I understand why you did it. You should never have been put in a position where you were forced to raise funds yourself just to keep the light burning. But the Forever Candle is an important symbol to the pixies. If it isn’t returned soon, it could have far reaching implications for the pixie people.”
All the wind seemed to go out of him, and he slumped down onto the stone step. “How did you know?”
“It was a few things. The first time I visited Candle Sands, you were really keen for me to see the light, but then on my last visit, it was obvious that you didn’t want me to go up there. Then there was the odour—I thought at first it was incense, but now I realise it was the candle. You’ve been forced to raise funds just to keep the light burning, but now it’s on all the time—even in the daytime when it isn’t needed. That didn’t make any sense until I heard that the Forever Candle had been stolen. Then I remembered that Maude had told me you’d visited the pixie palace grounds on your recent trip to Candlefield.”
“I didn’t go there with the intention of stealing the candle. I didn’t even know it existed until that day. But when I saw it, I realised that it would solve all of my problems. It’s so very tiny, and yet so powerful. I don’t know what came over me—I just popped it into my pocket. No one saw me—not even Maude. I’m really sorry. What’s going to happen to me now? Will I go to jail?”