by TJ Green
El frowned. “I thought they were all closed off?”
“They are. She was pushed through one, at speed, I would say, forcing the metal grill out. She looked like she’d been in a tumble dryer. Every bone broken, all scratched and bruised.” Newton was pretty hardened to death, but even he looked disturbed. “The force used to get her through there must have been major.”
“Not water?” Caspian asked. Adits were used to drain excess water from the tin mines.
“It’s been too dry, and so was she.” Newton took a deep breath. “And there’s more. We investigated her background today—looked at family, friends, etcetera. It turns out that she works at Charlestown’s Shipwreck Treasure Museum. Her cousin also works there, and just happens to be the curator of the White Haven Museum exhibition. Ethan James.”
“Seriously?” El asked, surprised. She glanced at Alex. “We heard about him when we visited yesterday, but never met him. Interesting connection!”
“It is.” Newton looked relieved to have a lead. “I’ll be going to talk to him tomorrow.”
“Why not right now?” Avery asked, looking annoyed.
“Because there’s nothing to link him to her death—other than his job.”
“But someone is obviously searching for lost treasure, and White Haven Museum did find previously lost papers on smuggling which he now has access to,” Caspian pointed out.
“But there’s nothing to suggest that he found a treasure map! It could be just Miles and Jasmine. And if I can remind you, I’m a detective. I need evidence!” Newton said crossly. And then he sighed and adopted a conciliatory expression. “However, it is suspicious. My angle is the coins. I’ll be asking for his expert opinion on them, and questioning if his cousin might have uncovered something. And obviously I’ll be watching him closely to see how uncomfortable he looks…or how guilty. I’m sure there’s more to this.”
“Of course there is,” Alex agreed. “There’s the violent, probably supernatural manner of their deaths, the supernatural something that you saw, Newton, evidence of the old chests—”
“Dated to the late 1700s or early 1800s. We had the ones found in Looe appraised,” Newton interrupted him.
Alex nodded. “There are the other paranormal activities in Fowey, too. And the unnaturally strong ghosts.”
“Plus,” Reuben added, “evidence that our ancestors colluded to stop a smuggler, the Dane, who must have been Cruel Coppinger.”
“What are the dates on your letters?” Ash asked.
Reuben frowned and swiped the letters from the table where he’d placed them. He grinned. “1805. Same year as when Coppinger disappeared.” He turned to Newton. “Is there anything fishy about Ethan?”
“Not that I can tell. We ran a quick background check on him late this afternoon. He’s worked in Charlestown at the Shipwreck Treasure Museum for years. No police record. Liaises with Jamaica Inn’s Museum, too. He’s obviously well respected.”
“Don’t forget he knows Mariah, the witch from Looe,” Avery reminded them.
“Only through a donation,” Newton said warily. “I doubt he knows she’s a witch!”
“And,” Avery persisted, “Gil told us a witch has walked the spirit world! Caspian,” she said abruptly, “what sort of powers does Mariah have?”
“Water. And,” he sighed, raising his eyebrow, “spirits. Her water strengths make her emotional connections strong, and combined with her psychic abilities, it makes her powerful in that area.”
“See! Mariah could be involved!” Avery said, appealing to them all. “She could be the witch who’s stirring up the spirits.”
“I know you don’t like her,” Newton said, “but that is pure speculation.”
“And so is us thinking that this is about treasure. All we have are tantalising crumbs so far. It doesn’t mean we’re wrong!”
El recognised that gleam in Avery’s eye. It meant that she had the bit between her teeth and she wasn’t about to back down. Everyone else knew it, too.
“Where does Ethan live?” Alex asked, looking suspiciously innocent.
“Carlyon Bay, why?” Newton asked.
Alex looked dumbstruck. “The same place as Miles and Jasmine?”
“The very same,” Newton admitted, but he held his hand up in a stop sign. “But I am not leaping to conclusions!”
“I am!” Alex said. “I think we should watch him tonight—very carefully, of course.”
Newton sipped his beer, considering his suggestion. Finally, he said, “If you know you won’t be spotted, then I think that would be an excellent idea.”
Alex looked at Avery. “What do you think?”
“I like it, a lot!” She checked the time on her phone. “We could give it another couple of hours until it gets dark, and start then.”
“Great,” he agreed.
Caspian shuffled in his seat, looking much brighter than he had only an hour or two before, and said, “I’m worried about where the girl was found. Have you investigated the mines close by?”
There were tin mines all across Cornwall, and a warren of them in Perranporth.
Newton shook his head. “Not yet, but we will, tomorrow. Those mines have been shut down for years, and we’re worried about safety, but we have a local expert who knows the mines well, identifying where we should look. A small team will go with him.” He looked grim. “We have to do this, but I’m worried what we’ll find—especially if there’s something supernatural there.”
Newton looked wracked with guilt, and El knew he was dreading a repeat of what had happened to Inez. “I’ll go, too. If the team meet something odd, they’ll be sitting ducks.”
“El!” Rueben looked at her, incredulous. “That’s a ridiculous idea. You could get hurt!”
“And so could they. I have magic on my side. The team going down there won’t.” The more she thought about it, the more she realised she had to go; her conscience wouldn’t allow her not to. “In fact, I insist I go.”
“But you might give yourself away. You know, your magic,” Newton said. He looked worried, but was clearly interested in her suggestion.
“Who’s going?”
“I will, obviously, plus the local mine expert, Moore, and another couple of officers assigned to my team.”
“You are the paranormal division,” El reminded him. If there were consequences, she’d just have to manage them. “And you told us that they know you have help, and Moore knows all about us. I’m prepared to do it.”
“I’m not,” Reuben said, protesting. “Unless I come, too.”
Reuben’s normally teasing blue eyes were fired up with a mixture of anger and worry, but El wasn’t put off. “No way. You’re injured, and you have stuff to do here. Where you’re protected,” she reminded him forcefully.
Reuben tried to keep his anger bottled. “Someone should go with you.”
Before anyone could volunteer, she said, “I’ll be fine! I know what to expect, which means I’ll be prepared.”
Alex looked unconvinced. “Are you sure you don’t want one of us to come? Or ask a witch from Perranporth? I bet they’re wondering what’s going on right now!”
“You and Avery could be up all night! Briar is busy healing this pair of miscreants, and I don’t want another coven involved. This is the best option.”
Newton turned to El. “Are you sure, considering what happened to Inez?”
“I’m especially sure because of that. I’m a witch, none of you are.”
“Thanks.” Newton smiled. “Actually there’s something else we should check out. Miles’s car was parked at the National Trust car park by the Fowey Estuary, close to St Catherine’s Castle. We haven’t found a thing, but Ben said they’d picked up odd readings there. Maybe,” he looked at Alex and Avery hopefully, “you could check it out tonight, while you’re up that way.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Alex said, looking at Avery for her approval and getting it. “I think you’re right, El. This could be a long n
ight for both of us.”
Chapter 18
Avery and Alex pulled to a halt on a quiet street in a housing estate in Carlyon Bay, just to the north of Charlestown.
It had been years since Avery had visited Charlestown, and she had forgotten what a charming place it was. They had driven through it before heading to Ethan James’s house, passing the Shipwreck Treasure Museum. It was obviously closed, but it was a large place, very well maintained, and it also had a clay mines exhibit, too.
“Maybe we should visit the museum tomorrow,” she suggested as she settled herself in the passenger seat of her van, ready to watch James’s house. Alex had offered to drive, and she was pleased to not have to concentrate on the drive.
He shook his head. “I’m giving up on museum visits. Whatever’s going on now certainly won’t be advertised in there.”
“I guess you’re right,” Avery admitted, feeling like they were still clueless. “I think this might be useless, too. What if he sits inside all night? We’ll learn nothing.”
“If nothing happens tonight, we come back tomorrow.” He turned to her, and she saw his frown in the light from the street lamp. “Jasmine was his cousin. It’s too much of a coincidence. Potentially, if he’s involved, he’ll be laying low tonight.”
“Do you think he was there when she died?”
“Perhaps. If he was, he might be terrified. It could spell the end of whatever’s going on.”
Avery stared down the street, not really focussing on the houses in front of her, instead imagining the mangled body of Jasmine. “So far, all of this is happening on the south coast. I’m a bit baffled as to why Perranporth is involved.”
“It’s an almost straight run across the country. Maybe whoever hid this treasure wanted to spread it around in an effort to confuse anyone who might search for it. Well, other than those who were meant to find it.”
“So, you think Ethan has stumbled upon a map or clues or something?”
“He must have!” Alex barked a laugh. “This is so suburban, though. It’s hard to think there’s skulduggery among the hedgerows!”
“I guess his house is at least a bit more secluded,” Avery noted. “But you’re right. A nosey neighbour would spot something.”
“I’ve already noted twitching curtains,” Alex confessed. “Let’s throw a veil of illusion over the van, before someone calls the police on us.”
They combined their magic, and with a whoosh, a shadow swept over them, and by mutual agreement they fell into silence to watch the house. Unfortunately, an hour later, nothing had happened, except someone had walked past with their dog.
“I can’t even see a light on in the house,” Avery said, feeling restless and stretching the kinks out of her shoulders.
“Maybe he’s out.”
“Or we’re too early for him to be going out, and he’s lurking in a back room.” Avery glanced at her watch. “It’s close to half past eleven. Maybe we should head to Fowey and come back here later.”
“Agreed,” Alex said. He turned the engine on and pulled out, and Avery quickly dropped the spell.
Avery studied the isolated spot as Alex parked. The National Trust car park in Fowey was situated down a country lane, offering access to the woods, walks, and the coastal path. It was pitch black outside, and they were completely alone. When they stepped out of the van, Alex flashed his torch around. A light breeze blew off the sea, and the land seemed hushed around them.
He lowered his voice, seemingly hesitant to disturb the silence. “This will be a tricky walk in the dark to the castle.”
“I could fly us there.”
Alex’s tone dripped with sarcasm. “Fantastic. I’m so glad you learned to fly.”
She poked him in the ribs. “I’m very useful, you know that!”
“That’s the only reason I keep hold of you,” he teased her, kissing the top of her head affectionately. “And maybe a few other things.”
“You’re so cheeky, Mr Bonneville!”
“I know. Isn’t that why you love me?”
“Most of the time. Your cooking helps.”
He laughed at that, but a wild cry disturbed the night, and Avery whirled around.
“It’s just a fox,” Alex reassured her, “from over the fields.”
“Of course,” she said, feeling like a fool. “Sorry, I’m jumpy!”
They walked to the start of the track that led to the cliff top, and the moon edged from behind a cloud, lighting the landscape.
Alex gave a small cheer, and she could hear the relief in his voice. “We can see enough in this light. I think we should walk some of it, or at least head into the woods first. Miles was here for a reason. We need to find it.”
“Agreed,” Avery said, “but I also know you’re avoiding witch-flight.”
“So would you if it made you sick.”
She laughed, and pointed in the direction of Coombe Farm Bed and Breakfast. “Let’s head that way. The path will lead us through the woods to the coastal path and the castle.”
Alex turned his torch off, and once beneath the trees, the night sounds erupted around them. They both draped themselves in shadows and progressed quietly, Avery raising her awareness as she searched for any sign of magic. They had been walking for several minutes when she detected a strange energy.
She placed her hand on Alex’s arm. “Do you feel that?”
“I think so,” he said cautiously.
She grabbed his hand. “Come on.”
Their progress slowed as the path began to get harder to find in the dark, but she followed what increasingly felt like wild magic, finally plunging into the undergrowth.
“This way.”
“We’re going off the path!”
“The magic is getting stronger! I have to follow it,” she whispered back, afraid to break the spell that seemed to have fallen around them.
Without another word she forged onwards, fighting past branches and tripping over tree roots until they came to a clearing that led to the sea. She could see the moonlight on the waves and hear the crash of the surf, and still following the wild magic, headed closer to the coast before veering back into a dense patch of trees. She finally halted in front of a jumble of huge boulders.
“What’s going on?” Alex asked, turning on his torch again.
“Can’t you feel it? We’re surrounded by old magic—ancient magic! It’s at its most powerful here!”
“I don’t know how you do that,” Alex confessed. “I don’t feel it as strongly as you.” He played his torch across the area before them. “You know, this looks like a collapsed tower to me, or a folly?”
Avery squinted at the jumble of stones. “You might be right!”
“Okay. You focus on the magic, I’ll hunt around.”
Avery quieted her mind, wishing Briar were with them, as she was more attuned to the earth. She slipped her boots off, wriggled her toes into the loam, and then lifted her arms to call the air, her most powerful element. For a moment, she tuned out the soft scurrying of night creatures, the barks of the foxes, and even the sounds of the surf, and enveloped herself within the two elements. The earth warmed her feet and the air caressed her cheek, carrying the promise of secrets about to be uncovered. And then she felt a current of damp, stale air trickling somewhere ahead of her, and something hollow beneath her feet.
Terrified she would lose the sensations if she moved too quickly, she waited, slowing her breathing and letting her awareness strengthen, like a signal. The scent of musty air escaping from somewhere beneath the earth grew stronger and Avery walked, almost in a dream state towards it. She ignored the sharp stones beneath her feet, winding around the rocks until she came to the far side. Again, she felt the wild magic swell around her.
Alex had completed his search and followed her cautiously, and now he stopped too, flashing his torch around. “What have you found?”
She pointed a couple of feet away to the base of a block of stone. “I feel something hollow
beneath us, and I think the entrance is there. It must be a tunnel!”
The scent of things long buried was stronger now.
Avery went to advance, but Alex’s arm flew out to stop her. “Wait.” He trod forward, carefully testing the ground with his weight, and examining the earth underfoot before he nodded. “Okay, it feels fine.”
“Stand back. I’m going to use air to move that. I’m sure there’s an entrance beneath it.”
“It’s huge! Are you sure you can?”
She nodded, excitement stirring her blood. “I’m sure.”
They scooted back several feet, and then Avery gathered wind around her, directing it forward and shaping it like a giant lever. She had never used her magic quite like this before, but her intent was clear. Slowly, the stone trembled and moved as the edge lifted slightly. As the balance started to change, she levered more forcefully until it tipped and rolled, revealing a narrow rift in the ground ahead.
Caspian stirred in bed, wondering for a second where he was. The bed felt different, as did the space around him, and he experienced a moment of confusion before remembering he was at Reuben’s place.
Ugh. Briar’s potion was strong! But, to be fair, it was just what he needed. He hadn’t slept well for days, and he needed deep, healing sleep. But, it was certainly too early to get up now. It was still dark outside. He squinted at the clock next to him. 1:00am. Crap. Why the hell was he awake now? He flopped back down on the pillow, relieved that the pain from his stab wound was now a dull ache rather than something sharp, and he felt stronger. Whatever residual effects the fight had caused, Briar had cleared them out. She really was an excellent healer.
Caspian squeezed his eyes shut in an effort to block out thoughts of the last few days, causing stars to speckle his vision. He couldn’t believe he was sleeping in Reuben’s home, or that he hadn’t heard from Estelle yet. Although, he shouldn’t really be surprised. He had let his temper get the best of him. He was used to her digs and scathing mockery. Nothing ever pleased her. But the comment about Avery was simply one too many.