by Holly Bell
‘We’ve got as far as we can for now and ... I’ve loved being here. This will always be my land. But if it’s all right, I think I’d rather like —’
‘— to go home,’ finished Mike. ‘We understand. Of course. But you and I do have one last piece of business to deal with. Paperwork,’ he added significantly.
‘Oh, the contracts!’ exclaimed Amanda.
‘If you come over tomorrow, we can go through it all. Ken can bring you over. Morning suit you?’
‘Lovely.’
‘As for your going home, whenever you’re ready,’ offered Trelawney.
‘Yes, you two,’ returned Mike, ‘Time to set up shop in Sunken Madley.’
‘Your future base, I understand,’ commented Lucy.
‘Yes.’
‘Well, bring Amanda back soon, Thomas. We would all like to get to know you both.’
‘And we’d like to get to know all of you better too,’ Amanda replied warmly. ‘It was you, Elodie, that spoke to me that time in the Cardiubarn crypt, wasn’t it?’
‘It was.’
‘A five-year-old to a nine-year-old. For such I am, according to those who know me best,’ said Amanda.
‘Five-and-a-quarter,’ came the response, with a twinkle. ‘Maybe one day I’ll make it to five-and-a-half.’
Amanda smiled ‘Maybe one day I’ll make it to ¬nine-and-a-half.’
‘I wouldn’t bother, either of you,’ advised Hogarth ‘Being grown up is vastly overrated. What do you say, Thomas?’
Trelawney raised a spoonful of jam roly-poly and custard.
‘Vastly.’
Chapter 48
The Contracts
Trelawney was thoughtful at first, on the road back to Parhayle. Presently he said,
‘Mike – he’s a lucky man.’ He drew up at the traffic lights, turned and smiled at Amanda, ‘And so am I. Lucky in my friends,’ he added quickly.
She took his words at face value and thought, that’s nice.
‘Would the day after tomorrow suit you for taking you home to Sunken Madley?’ Trelawney asked.
‘That would be perfect. It would give me time to see Uncle Mike about the contracts, and do just one more thing before I leave.’
Lucy had gone into Parhayle, so Amanda found Hogarth alone when Ken obligingly dropped her off.
Having supplied tea, gingernuts and Hobnobs, Hogarth set out the two contracts on the coffee table before them.
‘So ... here’s the official one: standard form.’
‘Do I have to swear allegiance to the Queen or sign the Official Secrets Act?’ Amanda asked solemnly.
Mike grinned. ‘No, my dear, that will not be necessary. Just read it through. You’ll see it makes no reference at all to magic.’
She sat and went through the document.
‘Yes, that all seems in order.’ He handed Amanda a pen, and she signed her name.
‘Good. You’ll see that all of this does recognise that you do still have a business to run.’
‘I appreciate that. Oh, will I have a job title?’ she asked with interest.
‘You already have one,’ stated Hogarth.
‘I do?’ she asked with surprise.
‘Yes: Witch.’
That made her giggle.
‘Except no one knows,’ Amanda pointed out.
‘We know,’ Hogarth responded. ‘Right. Now we come to what really is the important document. It should be all that you would wish.’
Amanda smiled. ‘You sound very confident.’
‘Yes, I wrote it,’ Hogarth replied with aplomb.
‘Oh, then I trust you,’ she answered, reaching for the pen. But Hogarth picked it up quickly.
‘No, no, my dear. What would your watchful solicitor, Erik, say if you went about signing things you hadn’t read and taken advice on?’
‘True,’ Amanda acknowledged.
‘Now you sit there and read it, while I put some hot water in the teapot.’
When he returned, she looked up at him enquiringly.
‘Erm ... this paragraph here.’ He sat down beside her on the sofa, and she turned the page toward him. ‘About accepting “the risk of death by magical means”. I understand most of it, but what does this word mean? The one after “petrification” and before “mortification”.’
‘You mean “lignification?”’
‘Turned to wood?’ Amanda hazarded.
‘Yes. Not everyone survives that,’ replied Hogarth matter-of-factly.
‘Oh ... and is that likely?’
‘No,’ he assured her. ‘These are all highly unlikely eventualities, but it’s good to be aware of the possibilities.’
‘I see. And about life insurance. I mean, I have no dependents. I’m leaving everything to Aunt Amelia. It has to be another witch, what with the cottage being full of wands and grimoires and so forth.’
‘Quite. But really it’s just a formality. It will be arranged for you.’
‘I see.’ Amanda read on. ‘So I — we report to you?’ she enquired.
‘In principle,’ Hogarth modified, ‘but my role is more of a consultant than a boss. You’ll be the people on the ground. Think of yourselves as an autonomous unit. But I can advise. And when it comes to magic, you are the expert. When the chips are down, you will have to make the hard choices. Just as you’ve done so far. The difference is that, whenever possible, you will consult your partner, Inspector Trelawney, and act in conjunction with his efforts.’
‘What’s this about mutual development?’ Amanda asked a little suspiciously.
‘Thomas has magical potential, does he not?’
‘Yes, I think he does, only’ — she looked at Mike anxiously — ‘I think too that the inspector disapproves of magic. It’s like he thinks it’s cheating to use it.’
‘Not surprising really is it? Given that he believes it broke up his parents’ marriage and having grown up with his mother’s understandable prejudices against it. But perhaps you can help him get over that. And in return,’ Hogarth went on carefully, mindful of Trelawney’s animadversions on Amanda’s lack of ability to read people or indeed notice them at all, ‘he may be able to help you to develop your detective skills.’
‘Oh, I’d like that! I’ve always wanted to learn how to dust for fingerprints.’
‘That’s not quite what I meant but never mind. So, anything else?’
She gave it another look over.
‘I think that’s everything.’
‘You will have seen, my dear, that it places no restrictions on the nature of the relationship between yourself and your partner.’
‘Um ... hmm. No, no it doesn’t does it?’ Amanda replied a trifle awkwardly.
‘I have said this before but forgive me if I repeat it. It will be to everyone’s advantage if you and the inspector allow yourself to be friends.’
‘Well, I think we are. I mean, we can be now. Properly. Have been able to since the Cardiubarn case closed.’
‘And do you like that?’ Hogarth asked Amanda, kindly.
‘Yes, yes I do.’
‘When you’ve gone into dangerous situations and taken him, or at least allowed him to come with you, you’ve trusted him, haven’t you?’
‘Yes, absolutely.’
‘Do you think you could bring that trust into your everyday dealings with him?’
‘I know what you’re talking about, Uncle Mike. And don’t think I didn’t appreciate the way you got him out of the way, so I could do all the household magic without him seeing, and I know .... I will. When we get back. Give me a day or two to get settled back in and I will. I’ll take the inspector into my workshop and let him see what I do.’
‘Thank you, my dear. The connection between you is to everyone’s advantage, as I say. And, you know ... if it should at some point in the future, begin to develop into something extra ... you don’t have to pull it up like a weed.’
She looked into her tea, then up at Hogarth and answered with gleam of humour
,
‘Well ... I promise not to spray the inspector with pesticide.’ Suddenly the slightly awkward moment passed as Amanda’s curiosity overcame her. ‘Uncle Mike, have you given the inspector the same lecture?’
He threw back his head and laughed. ‘Ask him!’
Amanda returned her attention to the contract.
‘All right. Have we covered everything?’ he asked.
‘Yes,’ she confirmed.
Hogarth handed her the pen.
Amanda looked at him with a twinkle.
‘Sure this doesn’t have to be done at dead of night during a half moon?’
‘Ideally, but 11.30 on a windy April morning will probably do just as well.’
She took the pen. She paused for a moment, recognising that, with this act, she was beginning a new chapter in her life that could lead she knew not where. She bent over the document.
Amanda Cadabra signed her name.
Chapter 49
Flamgoyne and Cardiubarn
Amanda brought the two cups of tea and plates of saffron cake back to the café table, and said to the gentleman seated opposite,
‘I wanted to say goodbye and to thank you for the times we’ve had together, and all the help you’ve given me with my Cornish. It really has been a treat. And so I ... I would like to tell you who I am.’
He leaned back in his bench seat. ‘You’re welcome to the treat ... Amanda Cadabra.’
She nodded. ‘Ah. Mr Flamgoyne, how long have you known?’
‘Oh, pretty much from the start. You’ve something of your grandmother Senara Cardiubarn about you. She were taller and thinner o’ course and all that red hair, but even so. And it was never no secret up on the Moor that she eloped with Perran Cadabra.’
‘Did you ever meet my grandfather?’ Amanda asked her eyes sparkling.
‘Cadabras ... now that was forbidden back then. They were an enemy that wouldn’t surrender and wouldn’t fight – not in any way our two clans could understand. Peace was a bitter pill for us all to swallow.’
‘Yes, of course .... So ... now we have our cards on the table ... you don’t mind?’
‘I’ve no grudge against you. And with the rest of them all gone, it’s just you and me, and Master Kyt and Master Thomas o’ course. But you’re the last, last of the Cardiubarns as I am the last of my name. And perhaps no bad thing either. Unless o’ course you, er, …’
‘No. No, Pasco, the buck stops here. The house of Cardiubarn ends with me. But is it too much to hope that the war between our clans ends here today with us?’
‘I’ve no will to fight more. The glory days of Flamgoyne are gone. You should have seen it though.’ The man’s face glowed for a moment. ‘The splendour, the power, the magic. But now it’s done. And I am old enough and wise enough to know it. Very well, Cardiubarn Arlodha, it ends here. And there’s my hand on it.’
She shook it willingly. They sipped their tea for a while in silence savouring the moment.
‘Mind you,’ Pasco said presently, ‘the two clans wasn’t all pushin’ each other off cliffs and down wells. Mostly it were a cold war truce. Like the Russians and British before the Wall come down.’
‘John le Carré? Smiley’s People?’
‘Read that, ’ave you? Well, it weren’t far off. I own that I did my part in that circus, but I weren’t no enchanted bondservant, like the rest. I ’ad my free will.’
Amanda leaned forward, curious. ‘May I ask? You are a good man, Pasco. How did you manage to act according to your conscience all these years?’
‘Hm. I’m not sayin’ as my hands is lily-white clean. Some things ... but I done my best, see? A good man and a good Flamgoyne.’
Amanda nodded and ate some of her cake. A new question occurred to her.
‘Pasco, do you wish Flamgoyne was yours?’
‘I know you ask out of personal interest, and I like you for it. So here it is: I don’t Amanda. It’s too big now they're all gone. One man and a bit of help in that great place. To be honest,’ — he leaned in — ‘I’d prefer a nice cottage. Just the land to keep an eye on. Rent it out, make sure the farmers care for it. ’Ave a little garden for myself.’
‘And Flamgoyne? The mansion itself?’ she asked.
‘The House has already fallen. P’raps it fell a long time ago; the building will follow. As I say, I am last of that name.’
‘There might be others. Out there still,’ she suggested.
‘Hm. Who’s to say? But as far as I’m concerned, it’s done, Amanda. It’s done.’
He raised his teacup to her, she responded in kind, and they drank in companionable silence.
Chapter 50
Revelation
Back in the cottage, Amanda opened the French windows to let in the sound and scent of the sea. Her meeting with Pasco had left her with a new question that surely her grandparents could answer.
‘Granny, Grandpa?’ They obligingly appeared beside her.
‘Yes, dear.’
‘Well done, bian. We’re pur proud of you. I am prouder of you than I’ve ever been.’
‘Grandpa … I nearly ….’
‘But you didn’t, pet.’
‘I heard your voice.’
‘You’ll always hear my voice, bian, and you chose to listen. You let it go.’
‘And I let The Grimoire go. I had to choose, and …I’m sorry I didn’t get it, but I’m not sorry about why, Grandpa. How could I ever have looked you in the face again?’
‘Now then, Ammee love, I had faith in you. I always do. And see how I’m always right? Now then, no need to get yourself all upset.’
‘Quite, dear,’ pronounced Granny, ‘you came back alive, with the information and managed not to put an end to either of your parents. I must say, I’m impressed.’
‘You came back alive is the most important thing. Narrow squeak that was in Growan House. Good thing the inspector was there at the end, wouldn’t you say?’
‘All right, Grandpa, I admit it. I was glad he insisted.’
‘Yes, well done,’ said Granny, ‘in spite of opportunity and temptation, not gunning down your mother, or was it your aunt? No matter. Tremendous effort.’
‘And if you hadn’t had asthma, you’d never have had Tempest,’ Perran reminded his granddaughter.
‘Oh yes, and wouldn’t have missed that for the world!’ exclaimed Amanda, gathering her familiar up into her arms and cuddling him, while he submitted in the spirit of martyrdom in a worthy cause. ‘My own Mr Fuffy-wuffy!’
‘Anyway. Happy about your new contract for working with the inspector, bian?’
‘Yes, I am Grandpa,’ Amanda replied with a smile.
‘You know what I think? You’ll have fun!’
‘Oh yes, undoubtedly,’ added Senara heartily.
‘Actually, I think I might,’ Amanda agreed. ‘Only ... I do wish he and Tempest got on a bit better.’
Grandpa reassured her,
‘Oh, Tempest just likes to make people a bit nervous. It’s just his way.’
‘I expect the owner of the Hound of Baskervilles said the same thing,’ Granny uttered acerbically.
‘Give it time, pet. But what was it you really called us here for?’
‘Two things actually. Why did you give your children such odd names: Skorna, Droggerys, Lughesven?’
‘We didn’t. They changed their names by deed poll at eighteen. Originally, Robert, Frances and Beatrix.’
‘I see. Thank you. The second thing ... well, it was that I had a nice time with Pasco and ... what I wanted to ask was ... what’s it like for people like the Cardiubarns and Flamgoynes and the Dowrkampyers when they transition to your plane?’
Grandpa chuckled.
‘Nothing at all like anyone would expect. But don’t you worry about that now.’
However, Amanda found herself quite unable to let go of her line of enquiry.
‘Is there a ... a hot place?’ she asked tentatively.
Granny rocked hersel
f with laughter. Amanda waited patiently until Senara’s mirth subsided. She delicately dabbed at her eyes with a lace handkerchief.
‘Yes, dear,’ she finally replied, ‘we call it Jamaica. Exceptionally good food. We had dinner last Thursday with the great-grandparents of your John Bailey-Farrell,’ she added, referring to one of Sunken Madley’s two cricketing celebrities. ‘Delightful.’
‘Oh yes,’ agreed Grandpa ‘and I learned a new song, while we were there. It goes .... But look at the time.’
‘We must be off now,’ declared Granny. ‘Having lunch with the Freuds. Martha wants me to show her my trick with the cheese soufflé. She’s always telling Siggy not to look for significant patterns in the crust though; sometimes a soufflé is just a soufflé. Goodbye, dear!’
It was their final dinner, before setting off, with Hogarth and Lucy.
‘Well, Amanda, my dear niece, you have done it. All we hoped for and more. I knew, which is why I redecorated for Lucy’s return, that given the right impetus, you would tell us the end of the story and solve the mystery of Mordren Dowrkampyer’s end.’
‘I suppose then,’ Amanda replied thoughtfully, ‘in a sense, he was posthumously murdered by Agacine Flamgoyne.’
‘And that, had she but known it,’ speculated Trelawney, ‘would have made her die happy.’
‘Probably,’ agreed Amanda. She turned to Lucy. ‘I want you to know, that I understand what you — what Elodie — did and I would have done the same.’
‘You don’t understand,’ came the slightly forlorn reply. ‘I am a witch. They told me. My art has magic.’
‘I know.’
‘And a witch does not strike out.’
Amanda gasped. ‘What did you say?’
‘A ... A witch does not str —’
‘Who told you that? I mean, please tell me,’ Amanda begged breathlessly, ‘who taught you to say that, to believe that?’
‘The Charpentiers. Why?’
‘That’s the credo of the Cadabras! Why it was all that kept me —’